ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his first airborne news conference, describing it as the “only solution” that can ensure justice for both sides. His remarks were made while traveling from Istanbul to Beirut as part of his first papal trip.

As the American pope addressed the media, he emphasized the necessity of a Palestinian state, notably within the territories of east Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. This stance aligns with international views on resolving longstanding tensions in the region. The Holy See’s recognition of a Palestinian state dates back to 2015, with renewed momentum for the two-state solution emerging amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Pope Leo expressed that while the current Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not accept this solution, it remains crucial for achieving a just resolution to the ongoing conflict. He reiterated that the Vatican aims to maintain friendly relations with Israel while serving as a mediator to bridge gaps between both parties.

During the limited news conference, which was confined to two questions from Turkish journalists due to the flight's short duration, Pope Leo was queried about his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The pope acknowledged that the talks had indeed covered these topics, highlighting Turkey’s potential role in both crises and noting its involvement in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Pope Leo articulated optimism regarding new peace proposals that have emerged, emphasizing the Holy See’s hope that Turkey would continue its efforts towards dialogue aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine. Simultaneously, he called for renewed attention to the plight of the Palestinians, reiterating the support for a two-state solution amid ongoing violence in Gaza.

While in Turkey, Pope Leo refrained from explicitly addressing the Gaza conflict in his public comments and chose to focus on the primary purpose of his trip: the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicaea Council in the present-day city of Iznik, Turkey. This historical gathering of bishops resulted in the establishment of the Nicaean Creed, a pivotal profession of faith in Christianity still recited by millions today.

At the commemoration event, Pope Leo proposed a future gathering in Jerusalem in 2033 to mark the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, which received positive reactions from various Orthodox patriarchs he had met during the trip. He conveyed a hopeful sentiment regarding the unity of Christians as they prepare for this significant anniversary.

In summary, Pope Leo XIV's statements underscore the Vatican's long-standing perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while highlighting its mediation role in both regional and global conflicts. His visit signifies an effort to strengthen interfaith relations and promote dialogue among Christian denominations leading up to a momentous future event.