Pope Leo Calls for Palestinian State as Key to Peace in Israel Conflict

Pope Leo emphasized that establishing a Palestinian state is the only viable solution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. Speaking during a press conference on March 5, 2025, while traveling from Turkey to Lebanon, he reaffirmed the Vatican’s consistent stance on the issue. “We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,” he stated, addressing journalists in Italian.

This press conference marked Pope Leo’s first in-flight dialogue since his election in May 2024 as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, which has approximately 1.4 billion members worldwide. He is currently on a visit to Lebanon, where he is expected to advocate for peace amid ongoing regional tensions.

Papal Visit Aims to Foster Peace in Lebanon

Upon his arrival in Lebanon, the Pope was met with enthusiastic crowds waving both Lebanese and Vatican flags. He plans to meet with President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and will deliver a significant address—his second to a foreign government. The timing of this visit is particularly critical, as Lebanon has been affected by the spillover from the Gaza conflict, which has seen escalating violence between Israel and Hizbullah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group.

Pope Leo’s remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, even as the United States, traditionally Israel’s strongest ally, has indicated support for Palestinian independence. The Pope’s criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza has become more pronounced in recent months, reflecting a shift towards a more direct approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Concerns Over Regional Stability

The situation in Lebanon is further complicated by the presence of approximately one million Syrian and Palestinian refugees and the country’s ongoing economic crisis. Local leaders have expressed fears that Israel may escalate its military actions in the coming months. Israel maintains that its operations are necessary to prevent Hizbullah from regaining military strength and posing a threat to northern Israeli communities.

A Lebanese woman, Randa Sahyoun, who traveled from Qatar for the Pope’s visit, shared her hopes, stating, “We want him to plant peace in the hearts of politicians so that we can live a comfortable life in Lebanon.” This sentiment reflects the broader desire among Lebanese citizens for stability amid the current turmoil.

In the lead-up to the Pope’s arrival, reinforcements from the Lebanese army and internal security forces were deployed to ensure safety during his visit. As he traveled through Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hizbullah holds significant influence, he was escorted in the Popemobile, drawing cheers from supporters despite heavy rain.

Hizbullah’s leader, Naim Qassem, expressed hope that the Pope’s visit would contribute to ending Israeli attacks, highlighting the desire for peace among Lebanon’s diverse communities. Prominent Druze cleric Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna remarked that Lebanon “needs the glimmer of hope represented by this visit,” underscoring the significance of Pope Leo’s presence in the region during such tumultuous times.

The Pope’s visit will continue until March 7, 2025, when he is scheduled to return to Rome. His efforts to mediate between conflicting parties and advocate for a Palestinian state are part of a broader mission to foster dialogue and understanding in a region deeply affected by decades of conflict.