The pope calls on Lebanese leaders to rise above divisions and sends a message of hope to Christians amid political crises and fears of renewed conflict with Israel

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV on Sunday emphasized the two-state solution as the only way to end the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, according to WAFA as reported by Al Jazeera. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that any resolution must include the establishment of the Palestinian State,

The Vatican continues to advocate for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and, despite resistance, will continue to seek mediation between Israel and Palestine, Pope Leo XIV said in an impromptu airborne press conference.

Pope Leo will meet leaders from Lebanon's diverse religious sects on Monday and is expected to urge Lebanese not to abandon their country despite years of conflict, political paralysis and economic crisis that have prompted waves of migration.

Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Vatican’s insistence on a two-state resolution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict saying it’s the “only solution” that can guarantee justice for both sides. Leo made the comments as he flew from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday for the second and final leg of his maiden voyage as pope.

Pope Leo visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque on Saturday, but was not welcomed by the head of Turkey's state-run religious organization despite earlier plans.