Pope Leo XIV asserts Palestinian civilians’ right to live peacefully on their land and reiterates Vatican support for a two-state solution amid ongoing conflict.
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV has affirmed that Palestinian civilians have the right to live in peace on their land in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
He reiterated the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution during his annual meeting with diplomats accredited to the Vatican.
“The humanitarian suffering of civilians continues despite the ceasefire announced in October, adding to the hardships they have already endured,” the Pope said.
He stated that the Vatican closely follows every diplomatic initiative aimed at ensuring a future of lasting peace and justice.
“In particular, the two-state solution remains the institutional framework that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both peoples,” he continued.
The Pope lamented escalating violence in the West Bank against Palestinian civilians.
He criticised the resurgence of war, describing it as “trending as if it were fashionable,” and noted growing militarisation.
The Pope stressed that diplomacy promoting dialogue is increasingly being replaced by “the diplomacy of force.”
“The principle established after World War II, which prohibited states from using force to violate another’s borders, has been broken,” he added.
He warned that this trend undermines the rule of law, which he described as the foundation for all civilised coexistence in peace.
