Pope Leo XIV: Palestinian State is 'Only Solution' for Israel-Gaza Conflict

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has made a forceful and heartfelt declaration: a Palestinian state is the “only solution” to the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Speaking aboard the papal flight from Turkey to Lebanon — during his first in-flight press conference as pope — Leo reiterated that, despite present Israeli rejection, “we see it as the only solution.” 

He stressed the Vatican’s willingness to act as a mediator, saying: “We are also friends with Israel, and we are seeking to be a mediating voice between the two parties that might help them close in on a solution with justice for everyone.” 

The pontiff’s remarks come at a time of intense conflict and humanitarian crisis — especially in Gaza and the West Bank — and represent a more assertive moral and diplomatic stance from the Vatican than has often been publicly voiced. 

Leo also underscored the role of other international actors, including Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, as potential facilitators of peace. He noted that during their discussions in Ankara, both conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine were raised, stressing that Turkey “has an important role to play” in fostering dialogue and resolution.

While acknowledging the complexities and entrenched divisions, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to a two-state solution and called for renewed global efforts toward justice, dignity, and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.