Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to a two-state solution during an airborne news conference on his maiden papal journey. He emphasized that establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel remains the only viable path to ensuring justice and long-term stability for both peoples.

Pope Leo XIV said on Sunday that the “only solution” to the conflict in Gaza is a two-state solution, stressing to be a “mediating voice” between Israel and Palestine. The pope recently finished his first overseas trip to Turkey since he was elected to the Vatican’s top position in May,

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 XIV is visiting holy sites in Lebanon on Monday as he seeks to recognize the importance of the country's religious pluralism and also send a message to Christians not to abandon the region.

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.

Ahead of his visit, Leo shared a Thanksgiving message with NBC News encouraging all people "to recognize that we have all received so many gifts."

On his first overseas trip, the pontiff repeats his predecessor’s warning of a “Third World War fought piecemeal” and appeals for global dialogue. The pope was speaking in Turkey where he will spend three days before travelling on to Lebanon,