Pope Leo Reaffirms Support for Palestinian State, Says It Is the “Only Solution”
Pope Leo on Sunday reiterated the Vatican’s long-standing position that a two-state solution, including a sovereign Palestinian state, is the only viable path to resolving...
Pope Leo on Sunday reiterated the Vatican’s long-standing position that a two-state solution, including a sovereign Palestinian state, is the only viable path to resolving the decades-old conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people.
Speaking to journalists aboard his flight from Turkey to Lebanon, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — acknowledged that Israel continues to oppose such a solution.
“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,”
said Pope Leo, delivering his remarks in Italian during his first in-flight press conference since taking office in May.
The pope added that the Vatican remains close to Israel as well and hopes to act as a mediating voice capable of helping both sides move toward a just peace.
His comments come days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, despite renewed signals from Washington in favour of Palestinian independence.
Focus on Conflicts in the Middle East and Europe
The eight-minute briefing primarily reflected on Leo’s four-day visit to Turkey — his first foreign trip since election. The pope said he discussed both the Israel-Palestine crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Leo noted that Turkey’s geopolitical position gives it an important role in efforts to end both conflicts.
During his stay, the pope issued a strong warning about humanity’s future, saying the world is facing an “unprecedented” number of violent conflicts and condemning any form of violence carried out in the name of religion.
Criticism of Gaza Offensive
Although known for diplomatic restraint, Pope Leo earlier this year sharpened his criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to suffering and a renewed push for peace.
Turkey, a Muslim-majority nation, is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of 260 million Orthodox Christians. Leo praised the country as a model of religious co-existence:
“People of different religions are able to live in peace. That is one example of what we should be seeking throughout the world,” he said.
Pope Leo will continue his visit to Lebanon until Tuesday, after which he will return to Rome.