As the cardinals of the Catholic Church prepare to gather in conclave for the election of a successor to Pope Francis, various issues facing the Vatican are on their minds, one of which is likely to be the Holy See’s present frosty relations with Israel.

Relations with the State of Israel are at their lowest level since diplomatic relations were established just over 30 years ago, a chill that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack by Gaza-based Hamas militants that left 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 250 taken as hostages and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza.

Of the roughly 100 hostages who remain in Gaza, a third are believed to be dead, according to Israeli Defense Forces.