Pope Leo reaffirms support for Palestinian state as the only viable solution to Israel-Palestine conflict
Pope Leo has reiterated the Vatican’s longstanding stance that a Palestinian state represents the only viable solution to the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people.
Speaking to journalists during a flight from Turkey to Lebanon, the first US-born pope said,“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution.”
Pope Leo emphasised the Vatican’s desire to act as a mediating voice between both sides, stressing that the Holy See maintains a friendly relationship with Israel while seeking to promote justice for all involved.
“We are also friends with Israel and we are seeking to be a mediating voice between the two parties that might help them close in on a solution with justice for everyone,” he said.
The remarks come amid continued resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the establishment of a Palestinian state, even as the United States signals support for Palestinian independence.
Pope Leo made the comments during his first in-flight press conference, an eight-minute session largely focused on his four-day visit to Turkey—his first overseas trip since becoming leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church in May.
During the trip, he discussed both the Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia conflicts with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting Turkey’s important role in helping mediate these crises.
The pope also warned that growing global violent conflicts pose a threat to the future of humanity and condemned any form of violence carried out in the name of religion.
He has become notably more vocal in criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, breaking from his usual cautious diplomatic language.
During the visit, Pope Leo praised Turkey as a model of peaceful religious coexistence, noting the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Orthodox Christians.
“People of different religions are able to live in peace. That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world,” he said.
The pope’s statements underscore the Vatican’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and the pursuit of a just resolution in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
