Pope Leo advocates for two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Vatican's commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it as the "only path" to ensure fairness for both parties. He made these remarks while traveling from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday, completing the second leg of his inaugural international journey as pontiff.

During the flight, reporters asked the pope about his private meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, specifically whether discussions included the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Leo confirmed that both topics were addressed and highlighted Turkiye's significant role in seeking resolutions for these crises.

On the issue of Gaza, the pope reiterated the Holy See's longstanding support for a two-state solution involving Israel and a Palestinian state. The establishment of a Palestinian state encompassing East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza is widely recognized internationally as the only viable resolution to the prolonged conflict. "At this moment, Israel does not accept this solution, yet we consider it the only approach capable of resolving the conflict justly," Leo stated. "We maintain friendships with Israel and strive to act as mediators, encouraging both sides toward a fair resolution."

The pope did not directly address Israel's military actions in Gaza during his visit to Turkiye. No immediate reaction came from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. Netanyahu has consistently argued that a Palestinian state would strengthen Hamas, potentially leading to a larger Hamas-controlled area adjacent to Israel. Earlier this month, he reaffirmed Israels opposition to a Palestinian state, declaring it remains unchanged despite external or internal pressures.

Upon landing in Beirut, Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to meet Lebanons President Joseph Aoun, the Arab world's sole Christian head of state, and deliver a speech to officials and diplomats at the presidential palace. Al Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem noted that large crowds greeted the pope along the route, and he is expected to celebrate a major mass in central Beirut before visiting several cities across the country.

Approximately 30 percent of Lebanons population is Christian, while the majority are Muslim, divided roughly equally between Shia and Sunni sects. Papal visits abroad have become an essential part of modern pontificates, combining religious outreach, diplomacy, and engagement with local Catholic communities. Lebanons diverse religious groups have warmly received the pope, with Druze leader Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna highlighting the hope inspired by the visit. Security reinforcements were deployed at Beirut airport ahead of his arrival, particularly in southern suburbs under Hezbollah influence, where the convoy passed areas damaged in last years Israeli airstrikes.

As part of his itinerary, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to pray at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, lead an open-air mass on the waterfront, and visit a psychiatric hospital. He will avoid southern regions still affected by near-daily Israeli airstrikes, despite the ceasefire brokered by the United States in November 2024. Residents like Farah Saadeh expressed hope for peace during and after the papal visit. Hezbollah requested that the pope denounce the injustices and aggression Lebanon has faced.

Analysis: Pope Leo XIV's Stand on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and His Middle East Visit

In his inaugural international journey as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican's long-standing commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His remarks underscore a persistent position in church diplomacy, emphasizing that the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel remains "the only path" to a just resolution. This statement highlights the Pope's firm stance, despite ongoing opposition from Israel, notably from Prime Minister Netanyahu's office.

The Pope's comments during his flight to Lebanon on Sunday reflect not only the Holy See's diplomatic approach but also its active engagement with international actors like Turkiye. The mention of Turkiye’s role in addressing global crises, including Gaza and Ukraine, signifies the Vatican’s broader vision of mediation and peacebuilding. However, by reiterating support for the two-state solution, Leo XIV enters into a delicate territory, as Israel maintains its firm resistance to this concept, citing security concerns and its opposition to any statehood arrangements that may empower groups like Hamas.

As the Pope arrives in Lebanon, his visit takes on even greater significance. Lebanon’s complex religious and political landscape makes the papal visit a sensitive yet hopeful occasion. The Pope’s planned engagements, including visits to areas affected by the 2020 Beirut explosion, signal his desire to bring attention to Lebanon’s struggles while offering spiritual support to its diverse communities. His decision to avoid southern regions still suffering from the effects of Israeli airstrikes underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in a region rife with tensions.

Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s visit and his comments about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict add a layer of diplomatic complexity to the ongoing debate over the future of the region. While the Vatican remains committed to a peaceful resolution, the path forward remains uncertain, with major geopolitical obstacles still in place. As the Pope continues his journey, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the search for peace.

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• Pope Leo insists on two-state solution to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict