Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that the “only solution” to the conflict in Gaza is a two-state solution, stressing to be a “mediating voice” between Israel and Palestine.
The pope recently finished his first overseas trip to Turkey since he was elected to the Vatican’s top position in May, and delivered his remarks while on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon, according to Reuters.
“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution. 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 told reporters during an in-flight press conference.
The pope also praised Turkey, a country predominantly of Muslim faith, for being a country where people of different religions “live in peace,” making it an example “we all would be looking for throughout the world.” Besides being a majority Muslim country, Turkey is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Christian church.
The pope’s trip to Lebanon comes right after his four-day trip to Turkey. He will return to Rome this Tuesday.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said on X that Leo’s presence in Lebanon is “a reminder of the strength and unity of Lebanon’s Christian community.”
“May his visit bring comfort, healing, and a renewed commitment to reconciliation between Lebanon, Israel, and all its neighbors,” Graham said on X.
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The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported earlier this month that at least 22 people were killed and 83 wounded in Israeli strikes against several areas in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were in response to a Hamas fighter crossing into Israeli-held territory to attack Israel Defense Forces troops.
In August, Leo issued “a strong appeal” to both those involved in the Gaza conflict and to the international community to end the conflict, which has “caused so much terror, destruction, and death.” He also called for a ceasefire after Israel struck a church in Gaza, killing three people.
