Pope Leo XIV's Statement on Palestine: Essence and Debates Pope Leo XIV expressed his stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict, one of the most pressing global issues, during his flight from Turkey to Lebanon aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and peace. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
He emphasized the necessity of recognizing Palestine as an independent state as the only way to resolve the conflict. This visit is Leo XIV's first foreign trip since his election in May and served as an important signal to the international community.
"We know that Israel does not accept this decision, but we consider it the only solution," said Leo XIV. He also noted the Vatican's aspiration to be a fair mediator in the conflict between the two sides.
The Pope's statement is a logical continuation of Vatican policy. It is worth recalling that the Vatican officially recognized Palestine as a state in 2015.
However, this position has effectively existed since 2013, when Palestine obtained observer status at the UN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed this statement.
He considered the establishment of a Palestinian state unacceptable and called this decision "shameful." Netanyahu reiterated his position at the UN General Assembly in September.
According to him, recognizing a Palestinian state could encourage terrorism and poses a serious threat to regional security. The Pope's diplomatic move and the firm stance of the Israeli leadership once again demonstrated how complex and contentious the peace process in the Middle East is.
Such differing views on resolving the conflict remain at the center of attention for the international community.
