Pope Francis expressed hope that both the incoming and outgoing U.S. administrations will collaborate to secure the return of those still held captive.

ROME (AP) — A delegation of former hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and their relatives met Thursday with Pope Francis and expressed hope that the incoming and outgoing U.S. administrations would work together to bring the remaining hostages home.

Pope Francis gestures as he shakes hands with Yelena Troufanov, who was part of a delegation of Israelis who were freed after being held hostage in Gaza, during a meeting at the Vatican Nov. 14, 2024. Yelena was freed last November, but her son, Alexander, 29, is still being held hostage. (CNS/Vatican Media)

ANALYSIS: Here are four important takeaways from the bishops’ most recent gathering in ‘America’s Premier See.’

Pope Francis welcomes freedIsraeli hostages to the Vatican:: November 14, 2024:: Vatican CityAmong the freed hostages, Pope Francis met Yelena Troufanov, whose husband was killed during the October 7 attack.