In an interview aboard the papal plane, the pontiff said that the proposal is the only viable solution and reported Türkiye’s support for progress in negotiations
The two-state solution is the “only” capable of ending the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, Pope Leo XIV said this Sunday (30), during a flight between Istanbul and Beirut. For the first time since being elected in May, the American pope held a press conference aboard the papal plane, resuming a tradition of his predecessors. He reiterated that the Holy See has publicly defended the creation of two States for several years.
“We all know that Israel still does not accept this proposal. But we consider it the only possible solution to resolve the current conflict,” said the pontiff. Leo XIV also stated that he had discussed the topic on Thursday, in Ankara, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who, according to him, fully supports the initiative. “Turkey plays an important role in the process,” he added.
The Holy See has recognized the State of Palestine since 2015 and supports the two-State proposal. Since his election, the pope has expressed solidarity with the “martyred land” of Gaza and condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians.
This Sunday, Leo XIV also highlighted that the Vatican maintains “friendly” relations with Israel and is willing to act as a mediator between the parties.
