Pope Leo: Palestinian state ‘only’ solution to Israeli conflict
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Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by the Lebanese president upon arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, on Nov 30.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO BEIRUT - Pope Leo said on Nov 30 that the only solution in the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people must include a Palestinian state, reaffirming the Vatican's position.
"We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution," Pope Leo, the first US pope, told journalists on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon during his first in-flight press conference.
"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," added the pope, speaking in Italian.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed opposition to a Palestinian state after even its biggest ally the US indicated support for Palestinian independence.
Pope Leo spoke in a brief eight-minute press conference focused on his visit to Turkey, which he visited from Nov 27 to Nov 30 on his first overseas trip since election in May as leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church
Lebanese military planes escort the plane of Pope Leo XIV before landing in Beirut for a two-day visit in Lebanon, on Nov 30.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The pope said he and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed both the Israel-Palestinian and Ukraine-Russia conflicts. Turkey has an important role to play helping end both wars, Pope Leo said.
During his visit to Turkey, the pontiff warned that humanity's future was at risk because of the world's unusual number of bloody conflicts and condemned violence in the name of religion.
Critical of Israeli military in Gaza
Pope Leo, who usually prefers using careful, diplomatic language, ramped up criticism earlier in 2025 of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Turkey is predominantly Muslim but is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world's 260 million Orthodox Christians.
Pope Leo praised Turkey as an example of religious co-existence.
"People of different religions are able to live in peace," said the pope. "That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world."
Pope Leo is visiting Lebanon until Dec 2, when he returns to Rome. REUTERS
