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 is on his first visit to Lebanon. He arrives at a pivotal time for the country, buffeted by conflict with Israel and a devastating economic crisis.

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,

Pope Leo XIV’s visits holy sites in Lebanon on Monday that draw Christian and Muslims 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.