The Pope reaffirmed that the Vatican supports a two-state solution as the path to a just settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a Palestinian state envisioned in east Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, and he advocate dialogue that could see Turkey play a mediating role.

This position was publicly reiterated during an in-flight press conference from Turkey to Lebanon, marking his first press briefing since his May election.

The Vatican’s approach emphasizes dialogue across faiths and nations, aiming to unify Christian denominations and maintain interfaith and intergovernmental engagement as a cornerstone of the mission.

During the trip, Leão XIV met with Christian leaders in Syria and Istanbul, continuing his outreach to churches such as the Mor Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church.

The ongoing ceasefire since late 2024 has significantly shaped the regional context, including Lebanon and broader tensions.

In Lebanon, the Pope urged a return to peace while acknowledging economic collapse and widespread emigration, calling for courage and foresight to stabilize and restore the country.

Beyond politics, the Pope seeks broader Christian unity and ongoing dialogue across denominations and faiths.

The pope’s itinerary included stops in Istanbul and Beirut, with security measures and ceremonial events accompanying his arrival and discussions with regional leaders.

Lebanon welcomed the Pontiff as the second stop of his first international trip after Turkey, amid an ongoing economic-political crisis and periodic Israeli bombardments despite a November 2024 ceasefire.

The Lebanon visit is framed as part of a broader mission to address regional instability and advocate peace amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Leo XIII’s Lebanon visit runs through early days of the trip, highlighting Lebanon’s 2019-era crises and its fragile security situation alongside the regional tensions.

A joint peace appeal was issued with Patriarch Bartholomew I, urging leaders to pursue peace and condemning the misuse of religion to justify violence.

Both leaders stressed the importance of true inter-religious dialogue to foster peace and encourage global citizens toward a more just and compassionate world.

The trip coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Iznik, Turkey, and the Pope signaled renewed ecumenical dialogue with Orthodox patriarchs, hinting at a possible 2033 gathering in Jerusalem to mark 2,000 years of Christ’s Resurrection.

A potential 2033 Jerusalem meeting with leaders from various Christian branches was floated, though it remains a distant milestone, with broader regional dialogue taking precedence.

The Pope chose to emphasize broader regional goals and inter-Christian dialogue rather than focusing on his Istanbul visit to the Blue Mosque.

Brief remarks were delivered during a short two-question briefing with Turkish journalists, with more in-depth media engagement planned on the return to Rome.

Since his election, the Pope has expressed solidarity with Gaza and condemned the displacement of Palestinians.

The report contrasts Netanyahu’s opposition to a Palestinian state—arguing it would empower Hamas and resist external pressure—with the Pope’s two-state vision and mediation efforts.