Pope Leo XIV Affirms Palestinian Country The Only Solution To Conflict With Israel

Pope Leo XIV. (Twitter/@papalsupremacy)

JAKARTA - The Palestinian state is the "only solution" to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday, reaffirming the Vatican's position.

"We all know that currently Israel is still not accepting that solution, but we see it as the only solution," Pope Leo told reporters on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon at a press conference on board, as reported by Al Arabiya (1/12).

"We are also friends with Israel and we are trying to become mediators between the two parties who can help them achieve a fair solution for everyone," the Pope added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to the Palestinian State, even after its biggest ally, the United States, indicated support for Palestinian independence.

Pope Leo XIV spoke at a short eight-minute press conference focused on his visit to Turkey, which he visited from Thursday to Sunday during his first overseas trip since being elected in May as leader of the 1.4 billion Catholic Church.

The Pope said he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Israeli-Palestinian and Ukrainian-Russian conflicts. Turkey has an important role in helping end both wars, Leo said.

During his visit to Turkey, the Pope warned that the future of mankind was threatened by the many bloody conflicts in the world and condemned violence in the name of religion.

Pope Leo, who usually prefers to use careful diplomatic language, raised criticism earlier this year of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

On the other hand, Turkey has a majority Muslim population but is also home to Patriarch EcumenicalEW, the spiritual leader of 260 million Orthodox Christians in the world. Pope Leo XIV praised Turkey as an example of religious coexistence.

"People from various religions can live peacefully," the Pope said.

"That's one example of what I think we're all looking for around the world."