The Pontiff emphasized that the Vatican aims to act as a mediator in the conflict and to assist in finding a fair solution for all parties involved. His words came against the backdrop of a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who once again expressed disagreement with the idea of creating a Palestinian state, despite support for this proposal from the United States.
During his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo discussed the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting the importance of Ankara's role in attempts to resolve both wars. He also warned that the future of humanity is at risk due to the increasing number of bloody conflicts and condemned violence committed under the guise of religion.
Since October, the Vatican has intensified its criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, accusing the Jewish state of "massacre," which marks a significant shift in its traditionally restrained approach. The Pope praised Turkey as a model of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities and stressed the importance of spreading this model on a global scale.
Pope Leo arrived in Lebanon on Sunday and plans to stay there until Tuesday, after which he will return to Rome.
