Pope Leo XIV declared Monday that establishing a Palestinian state remains the “only” realistic path to resolving the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he urged greater international mediation to foster a just outcome for both sides.
Speaking to reporters during his inaugural in-flight press conference en route from Turkey to Lebanon, the US-born pontiff — who assumed leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May — reiterated the Holy See’s longstanding advocacy for Palestinian independence, despite Israel’s ongoing reluctance to embrace it.
“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,” Leo said, framing the remarks against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent dismissal of statehood proposals, even as the United States has voiced tentative support for Palestinian sovereignty.
The pope’s comments came at the close of a four-day visit to Turkey, where he held high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on de-escalating not only the Mideast crisis but also the Ukraine-Russia war, spotlighting Ankara’s potential as a diplomatic bridge.
“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,” Leo added, underscoring the Vatican’s balanced yet increasingly pointed critique of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have drawn rare outspoken condemnation from the normally reserved papacy.
Leo, whose tenure has seen a sharper Vatican tone on global hotspots, warned broadly of humanity’s peril from escalating violence, including acts justified by religious pretexts. “The future of humanity is under threat from growing violent conflicts,” he stated, linking the Mideast strife to broader perils.
Praising Turkey — home to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual head of 260 million Orthodox Christians — as a beacon of interfaith harmony, Leo highlighted its example for the world. “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 remarked, following discussions that positioned the Muslim-majority nation as a model amid rising sectarian strains.
The pontiff’s Lebanon-bound trip marks his first overseas outing since ascending to the throne, with expectations high for further appeals on regional stability. Rights advocates hailed Leo’s intervention as a timely push for dialogue, though Israeli officials offered no immediate response to the Vatican overtures.
