The only solution in the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people must include a Palestinian state, Pope Leo said on Sunday (30 November), reaffirming the Vatican's position.

"We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution," Leo, the first U.S. pope, told journalists on a flight from Türkiye to Lebanon during his first in-flight press conference.

"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," added the pope, speaking in Italian.

The comments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, even as the United States signals support for Palestinian independence.

Leo’s eight-minute press conference focused largely on his first overseas trip — a four-day visit to Türkiye, which he undertook from Thursday to Sunday after his election in May as leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church.

The pope said he discussed both the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the Ukraine-Russia conflict with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, noting that Türkiye has a significant role to play in efforts to end both wars.

During his visit, Leo warned that humanity’s future was at risk due to the unprecedented number of violent conflicts worldwide, and condemned any use of religion to justify bloodshed.

Leo, who normally adopts careful diplomatic language, has sharpened his criticism this year of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Türkiye is a predominantly Muslim country but is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Orthodox Christians. Leo praised the country as an example of peaceful religious coexistence.

“People of different religions are able to live in peace,” the pope said.

“That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world.”

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