Pope, growing critical of Israel, to meet Palestinian president on Thursday

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Pope Francis will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday, the Vatican said, as the Catholic pontiff has become more vocal in his criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Reuters reports.

Abbas travels to Italy this week, where he is expected also to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Vatican announced the meeting with Abbas in a brief note, but did not offer further details.

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