Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday, marking their first face-to-face meeting in more than three years, as the pontiff has become more outspoken in his criticism of Israel’s military actions against Palestinian terrorists.

The two men held private talks at Vatican City’s Secretariat of State for half an hour. Francis and Abbas were said to have discussed their “good bilateral relations, highlighting the important contribution of the Catholic Church to Palestinian society, also in assisting in the very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it is hoped that there will be a ceasefire and the release of all hostages as soon as possible.”

“Reiterating the condemnation of all forms of terrorism, the importance of reaching the solution for the two states only through dialogue and diplomacy was emphasized, ensuring that Jerusalem, protected by a special status, can be a place of encounter and friendship between the three great monotheistic religions,” according to the official Vatican statement.