Pope Leo has reiterated the Vatican’s unwavering support for the creation of a Palestinian state, describing it as the “only viable solution” to the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. His remarks—delivered during an in-flight press conference while travelling from Turkey to Lebanon—mark one of the most direct statements by a pontiff in recent years on a matter that continues to shape global geopolitics.
The first US-born pope, elected in May, told journalists that the Holy See continues to view a two-state settlement as the most realistic path toward enduring peace. “We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution,” he acknowledged. “But we see it as the only solution.”
He noted that the Vatican intends to play a stronger mediating role in the months ahead, adding, “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.”
A renewed diplomatic posture from the Vatican
Pope Leo’s comments reflect a decisive shift in tone within the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement, signalling a more vocal and interventionist approach at a time when violence continues to escalate across the Middle East. His statements arrive as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains an uncompromising stance against Palestinian statehood—an issue that has caused growing friction with several of Israel’s key international partners, including the United States.
While Washington remains Israel’s closest ally, senior US officials in recent months have increasingly indicated that recognition of a Palestinian state may be necessary to establish long-term stability in the region. Pope Leo’s remarks appear to align with that evolving global sentiment.
His press conference, which lasted roughly eight minutes, was dominated by questions about his four-day visit to Turkey—his first international trip since assuming leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, which now counts an estimated 1.4 billion members worldwide.
Discussions with Turkey: A nation at the crossroads of conflicts
The pope said he held extensive talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, touching not only on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also the war between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasised that Turkey occupies a uniquely strategic position as a bridge between continents and cultures, and could therefore assist in advancing dialogue in both conflicts.
“Turkey has an important role to play,” Pope Leo said. “Its position, its history, and its connections with different regions mean it can help move these conflicts toward peaceful solutions.”
The pope underscored that his visit to Turkey underscored broader concerns about rising global instability. He warned that humanity is entering “a dangerous chapter,” driven by a growing number of violent conflicts that have displaced millions and deepened ideological divides. He stressed that violence carried out in the name of religion is especially dangerous, describing it as “a betrayal of faith and a distortion of sacred values.”
Sharper criticism of Israel’s military actions
In recent months, Pope Leo has shown an increasing willingness to speak candidly about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He has broken from the more cautious and measured language typically used by the Vatican when addressing conflicts involving key global allies.
Diplomatic analysts say the pope’s tone reflects a broader shift in global opinion, as civilian casualties in Gaza continue to draw international condemnation. Humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly warned of the worsening situation, urging all parties to prioritise the protection of civilians and grant full access to aid groups.
Pope Leo’s comments suggest he intends to use the moral authority of the papacy to push more forcefully for peace negotiations and humanitarian considerations.
Turkey as an example of religious coexistence
Another major theme of the pope’s trip was interfaith harmony. Turkey, though predominantly Muslim, is home to a mosaic of religious traditions and hosts the historic seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual guide for more than 260 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Pope Leo praised this coexistence, saying Turkey stands as a reminder that peaceful interaction between different faiths is not only possible, but essential for the future of humanity. “People of different religions are able to live in peace,” he said. “That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world.”
His meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, one of the most influential figures in global Christianity, was seen as an important step in strengthening ties between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches—relations that have historically been strained but have shown signs of improvement in recent decades.
A call for collective responsibility
For Pope Leo, the message of peace extends beyond diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. During his engagements in Turkey, he repeatedly emphasised the need for global leaders to confront the root causes of conflict—including poverty, political exclusion, ethnic discrimination and environmental stress.
“The future of humanity is at risk when so many conflicts persist without resolution,” he warned. “We must work together to protect the dignity of every human life.”
Global implications of the Vatican’s position
While the Vatican has supported Palestinian statehood for decades, Pope Leo’s renewed emphasis reflects growing tensions surrounding the stalled peace process. With Israel rejecting the idea outright and Western nations increasingly showing openness to alternative solutions, the pope’s intervention may add moral pressure at a sensitive diplomatic moment.
His call for justice-based mediation, combined with his critique of religiously motivated violence, positions the Catholic Church as an active voice seeking to influence the direction of international diplomacy.
Analysts say the pope’s comments could resonate throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond, given the Vatican’s long-standing involvement in humanitarian issues and its reputation for neutral, values-driven diplomacy.
As Israel continues to resist external calls for compromise, and Palestinians push for formal recognition of their statehood, Pope Leo’s renewed stance may deepen the debate within international institutions, including the United Nations, about the path forward.
What remains clear is that the pope intends to place the moral weight of the Holy See behind the pursuit of peace—and he believes that a two-state solution remains the only pathway capable of delivering it.
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