(JNS)Israeli President Isaac Herzog, during a meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday, urged faith leaders to unite in calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 699 days. “Israel is doing everything possible to bring home the hostages held in brutal captivity by Hamas,” Herzog wrote in an Italian-language social media post following the meeting with the head of the Catholic Church. “I look forward to deepening our cooperation for a better future of justice and compassion,” the president of the Jewish state added. The president was also scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and tour the Vatican Archives and Library. Last week, Leo issued an appeal to end the war on Hamas, calling for a truce, the release of the captives and boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza.