Africa Newsroom — Beirut, Lebanon — Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Holy See’s unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his visit to Beirut, emphasizing the need for peace and interfaith understanding.
The Pope made these remarks on November 30, 2025, during his first airborne news conference en route from Istanbul. He declared that a two-state solution is the “only solution” that can guarantee justice for both sides, a stance the Holy See has publicly endorsed for several years. Pope Leo also noted that the Vatican has recognized the State of Palestine since 2015.
“The Holy See is a friend to both Israel and Palestine, and we seek to mediate and help them reach a just solution,” the Pope stated. This position underscores the Vatican’s role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation in the region.
Pope Leo also discussed Turkey’s significant role in the region, confirming discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He acknowledged Turkey’s past efforts to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that Erdogan would continue dialogue to achieve a ceasefire.
Acknowledging the Israeli perspective, the Pope admitted that Israel currently does not accept the two-state solution. However, he firmly maintained that it is the only solution that can offer a resolution to the conflict.
The Pope’s visit to Lebanon comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. His advocacy for peace and a two-state solution is seen as a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to find a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Source: tribuneindia.com
