Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the Vatican’s commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, declaring it the only feasible approach to ensure justice for both Israelis and Palestinians. These remarks were made during his flight from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday, marking the second leg of his inaugural international pilgrimage as pontiff.
During the flight, journalists inquired about his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Pope Leo affirmed that Turkiye possesses a crucial role in facilitating peace in both regions. Citing the longstanding position of the Holy See, he reiterated support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, comprising East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and Gaza. This configuration is widely acknowledged globally as essential for resolving the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While acknowledging current Israeli resistance to this solution, Pope Leo highlighted it as the sole pathway toward lasting peace and justice, emphasizing the Vatican’s role as a nurturing voice seeking reconciliation between the two parties. Notably, during his visit to Turkiye, he refrained from directly addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing instead on fostering dialogue.
Upon arrival in Beirut, the pope met with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, the region’s only Christian head of state. His visit is highly anticipated, with many Lebanese citizens gathering along his convoy route to welcome him. Pope Leo is expected to deliver a significant address to local officials and diplomats at the presidential palace and preside over a large mass in central Beirut—a testament to Lebanon’s rich tapestry of community faith, featuring approximately 30% Christians and a predominantly Muslim population, half of whom follow Shia or Sunni branches of Islam.
Lebanon’s diverse communities are looking forward to the hopeful messages accompanying the papal visit. Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna, a prominent Druze leader, remarked that the country “needs the glimmer of hope represented by this visit.” As security measures were heightened in anticipation of the event, the papal convoy, adorned with community symbolism, was greeted warmly by the citizens of Beirut.
Among his planned activities, Pope Leo will offer prayers at the tragic site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion and lead an outdoor mass on the waterfront. He also intends to visit a psychiatric hospital, serving as one of Lebanon’s few mental health facilities, where community members are eager for his encouragement.
While the pope’s travel schedule does not include southern Lebanon—an area that has seen turbulent events—the anticipation surrounding his visit is palpable. The sentiments expressed by local residents reflect a collective hope for peace and reconciliation, fostering an environment where diverse faiths continue to thrive harmoniously.
This visit underscores the Vatican’s role in promoting dialogue and understanding amidst complex geopolitical dynamics, reinforcing its commitment to peace and coexistence in the region.
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