In his first in-flight press conference while flying from Turkey to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV called the establishment of an independent Palestinian state the “only solution” that guarantees justice for both sides, and emphasized that the Israeli regime has not yet accepted this proposal.
Publish dateMonday 1 December 2025 - 10:05
Story Code : 338815
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) – International Service: The Vatican Press Office announced yesterday (Sunday, November 30) that Pope Leo XIV told reporters en route to Lebanon: “We all know that the Israeli regime does not currently accept this solution, but we consider it the only sustainable solution.”
He added: “We are also friends with Israel and act as a voice of mediation so that justice is provided for all.” The remarks came as Pope Leo discussed the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling Turkey a key player in ending the wars.
Under the plan, the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza should end and the Palestinians should achieve an independent state and political sovereignty. The UN Secretary-General and international resolutions insist on a two-state solution, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that the creation of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and become a greater threat.
The Vatican recognized the state of Palestine in 2015, and Pope Leo XIV reiterated this position on his first foreign trip as pope, even as the Gaza war has caused a deep humanitarian crisis, with more than 70,000 deaths and 12 million displaced. The comments come amid international pressure on Israel to accept a two-state solution, although the United States recently voted against UN resolutions on the issue. Pope Leo will meet with local officials in Lebanon and focus on regional peace, but will refrain from traveling to southern Lebanon - the target of Israeli attacks.
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