Pope Leo XIV reaffirms support for 2-state solution to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT (AP) On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vaticans firm support for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it during his first in-flight press briefing as the sole path to ensure fairness for both sides. The pontiff spoke while traveling from Istanbul to Beirut, marking the second leg of his inaugural international journey as pope.

Although Leo has previously answered journalists questions during informal visits at his residence, this brief session represented his first formal press interaction as pope. Following the tradition of previous pontiffs, he used his foreign trip as an opportunity to address the media. Due to the brief flight, the press conference included only two questions from Turkish reporters, with a longer session anticipated upon his return to Rome on Tuesday.

Asked about his private discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, including topics such as the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, Leo confirmed the talks had taken place. He highlighted Turkeys key role in both situations, noting Erdogans government had previously facilitated preliminary negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. A solution has yet to be achieved, but there are now tangible proposals for peace, he said. Leo expressed hope that Erdogan would continue dialogue with Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to support a ceasefire and end the nearly four-year-long war.

Regarding Gaza, Leo reiterated the Vaticans longstanding advocacy for a two-state framework for Israelis and Palestinians. International consensus has often viewed the creation of a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza as the most viable route to peace. The Holy See officially recognized a Palestinian state in 2015, and the momentum for a two-state solution intensified this year amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with several nations formally acknowledging a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly.

We recognize that Israel currently rejects this approach, yet we consider it the only avenue toward resolving the conflict with justice for all involved, the pope said. We maintain friendly relations with Israel and strive to act as mediators, helping both sides move toward a just resolution. There was no immediate comment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office. Netanyahu has long argued that establishing a Palestinian state would empower Hamas and risk a larger Hamas-controlled territory on Israels border. Earlier this month, he emphasized that Israels stance on a Palestinian state remains unchanged despite external or internal pressures.

During his visit to Turkey, Leo did not specifically address the Gaza conflict. In his brief remarks summarizing the trip, he also avoided mentioning his visit to Istanbuls Blue Mosque. Instead, he concentrated on the central purpose of his trip: commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the 325 A.D. Council of Nicaea, held in what is now Iznik, Turkey. At that council, bishops from across the Roman Empire agreed on a shared profession of faith, the Nicaean Creed, which continues to be recited by millions of Christians worldwide.

In Iznik, Leo took part in the commemoration of the Council of Nicaea and met with various Orthodox patriarchs in Istanbul. During a joint session on Saturday, he proposed a major gathering in Jerusalem in 2033 to mark the 2,000th anniversary of Christs crucifixion and resurrection, emphasizing it as a new visible sign of Christian unity. This is an event all Christians wish to celebrate, he stated. We have years to prepare, he added, noting that the patriarchs received the proposal positively.

Analysis: Pope Leo XIV's Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

In his first in-flight press briefing, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican's longstanding position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing support for a two-state solution. This approach, which envisions a Palestinian state alongside Israel, remains the Holy See’s preferred path to peace, even though it is currently opposed by Israel's government. The Pope’s statement highlights the Vatican’s role as a mediator and its commitment to achieving a just resolution for all parties involved.

While Pope Leo’s comments on the two-state solution may seem like a continuation of previous Vatican policy, the context of his remarks adds weight. The recent escalation in Gaza has intensified international discussions on this topic, with several nations formally acknowledging a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly. The Holy See’s recognition of Palestine in 2015 further demonstrates its alignment with the international consensus advocating for a two-state framework.

However, the situation remains complex. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing security concerns, particularly the risk of empowering Hamas. While Pope Leo's words reflect a call for justice, they also underscore the challenge of reconciling these deeply entrenched positions. Israel’s current stance remains unchanged, suggesting that any meaningful progress on this issue will require significant shifts in both diplomatic and political landscapes.

The Pope’s diplomatic approach, while firm in its advocacy for Palestinian statehood, also remains cautious. His comments were careful not to escalate tensions, choosing instead to emphasize the Vatican’s role in facilitating dialogue and fostering peace. This is indicative of the broader challenge faced by the Catholic Church as it navigates the intersection of religious advocacy and international diplomacy.

Ultimately, the Pope’s reaffirmation of the two-state solution serves as both a moral imperative and a practical roadmap, though it remains to be seen whether this vision will gain traction amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region.

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• Pope Leo XIV doubles down on insistence for 2-state solution to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict