Beirut: Pope Leo XIV has restated the Vatican’s position that the creation of a Palestinian state remains the only path to resolving the Israel Palestine conflict. He made the remarks while travelling from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday during his first international trip as pope.
Leo said he discussed the war in Gaza with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. He added that Turkiye holds an important role in efforts to end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He stressed that a two state solution based on a Palestinian state in occupied East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza is essential for justice.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to reject any plan for Palestinian statehood. He argued this month that such a state would reward Hamas. He also dismissed international pressure on the issue.
Leo arrived in Beirut to a large welcome from crowds lining the route to the presidential palace. He is scheduled to meet Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and address officials and diplomats. Lebanon’s Christian and Muslim communities have expressed hope that his visit will support peace efforts at a difficult moment for the region.
Security forces were deployed across Beirut ahead of the visit. His convoy will pass through southern suburbs affected by Israeli strikes last year. Hezbollah has asked the pontiff to speak against what it described as Israeli aggression.
Leo will also pray at the Beirut port blast site, celebrate mass on the waterfront and visit a psychiatric hospital. He will remain in Lebanon until Tuesday.
