Istanbul: Pope Leo XIV stated that he supports the two-state solution as the only way to end the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a press statement today before departing Istanbul for Beirut, his second stop, Leo XIV affirmed that "the Vatican has long and clearly declared its support for the two-state solution."

According to National Iraqi News Agency, he added, "We know that Israel does not currently accept this solution. We believe it is the only solution capable of ending the ongoing conflict."

On another note, Pope Leo emphasized that "Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, but it also embraces many Christian communities, and followers of different religions can live there in peace, even if they are small minorities."

He also noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's relationships with the presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States could help encourage dialogue, facilitate steps toward a ceasefire, and find ways to end the war in Ukraine.