VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis will meet next week with relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza, a source said on Friday.

The source spoke to Reuters as the Vatican's number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the Holy See believed their release and a ceasefire - which Israel has so far ruled out - were two "fundamental points" to resolve the crisis.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Hugh Lawson)