ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO BEIRUT, Nov 30 (Reuters) – Pope Leo stated on Sunday that the one answer within the decades-long battle between Israel and the Palestinian individuals should embody a Palestinian state, reaffirming the Vatican’s place.
“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,” Leo, the primary U.S. pope, instructed journalists on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon throughout his first in-flight press convention.
“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, talking in Italian.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed opposition to a Palestinian state after even its largest ally the U.S. indicated assist for Palestinian independence.
Leo spoke in a short eight-minute press convention targeted on his go to to Turkey, which he visited from Thursday to Sunday on his first abroad journey since election in Might as chief of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.
The pope stated he and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan mentioned each the Israel-Palestinian and Ukraine-Russia conflicts. Turkey has an necessary position to play serving to finish each wars, Leo stated. Throughout his go to to Turkey, the pope warned that humanity’s future was in danger due to the world’s uncommon variety of bloody conflicts and condemned violence within the title of faith.
CRITICAL OF ISRAELI MILITARY IN GAZA
Leo, who often prefers utilizing cautious, diplomatic language, ramped up criticism earlier this 12 months of Israel’s army marketing campaign in Gaza.
Turkey is predominantly Muslim however can be residence to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, non secular chief of the world’s 260 million Orthodox Christians.
Leo praised Turkey for example of spiritual co-existence.
“People of different religions are able to live in peace,” stated the pope. “That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world.”
Leo is visiting Lebanon till Tuesday, when he returns to Rome.
