Pope Leo XIV has reiterated the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing it as the only viable option to ensure justice for both parties. The pontiff made these remarks during his flight from Türkiye to Lebanon, as part of his first international trip since taking office. The Vatican has formally recognized Palestinian statehood since 2015 and has consistently advocated for a two-state resolution.
In his comments to reporters, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that Israel currently does not accept this solution but stressed the importance of international recognition. He also reaffirmed the Vatican’s friendship with Israel and its commitment to acting as a mediating voice to facilitate a just solution for all parties involved. The pope’s statements come amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and highlight the need for a peaceful resolution.
During his private meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, the pope discussed the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He noted that Türkiye has a crucial role to play in resolving both conflicts, particularly in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The pope expressed appreciation for President Erdogan’s efforts in convening the parties involved and hoped that his relationships with the presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could help promote dialogue and a ceasefire.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the pope restated the Holy See’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, which is widely regarded as the only way to end the decades-long conflict. This stance is in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement that his country’s opposition to a Palestinian state remains unchanged.
The US-brokered truce on October 10 aimed to address the conflict with an Israeli pullback and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli strikes have continued, and aid delivery has been slow, resulting in dire conditions, according to UN agencies and regional mediators. The pope’s call for a two-state solution underscores the need for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been a longstanding goal of the international community. As the situation continues to unfold, the Vatican’s appeal for a two-state push is likely to remain a significant aspect of international efforts to achieve peace and justice in the region.
