00:00Pope Leo has reaffirmed the Vatican's position that any lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict must include a Palestinian state, calling it the only solution, despite Israel's continued opposition.
00:16Speaking to journalists on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon, the Pope said he hopes to act as a mediating voice between both sides.
00:24The first U.S.-born pontiff told reporters that Israel still does not accept the idea of a Palestinian state, but said justice and peace can only be achieved through a two-state outcome.
00:39His remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again rejects Palestinian statehood, even as Washington signals support for Palestinian independence.
00:48The Pope said he discussed both the Israel-Palestinian and Russia-Ukraine conflicts with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during his first overseas trip, noting that Ankara has an important role to play in efforts to pursue peace.
01:01The Pope's comments follow an earlier criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, where he has condemned the humanitarian toll and spoken out against violence carried out in the name of religion.
Be the first to comment