Pope Leo urges Palestinian state as only path to justice

Pope Leo XIV has reiterated that a genuine and lasting end to the occupation and decades of bloodshed can only come through the establishment of a Palestinian state, restating the Vatican’s long-held position as Israel continues to reject that outcome.

“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,” Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, told reporters while speaking to journalists on his flight from Türkiye to Lebanon.

He added that the Vatican continues to maintain relations with Israel while positioning itself as a voice pushing for justice and accountability on both sides. “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,” he said, speaking in Italian.

The pope’s remarks come as Israel faces growing international isolation over its Gaza genocide, its illegal settlement expansion and its refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood under any meaningful terms.