Pope Leo XIV and peace in the Middle East: appeal from Beirut

The Pontiff renews his commitment to peace in the Middle East during his visit to Lebanon

Today, Sunday 30 November, the Pontiff expressed his thoughts on the Israel-Palestine situation: Pope Leo XIV and peace in the Middle East, which for the successor to the throne of Peter must be the focus of attention, and he used strong and clear statements to reiterate this. ‘The Holy See has supported the two-state solution for years,’ the Pontiff said during a dialogue with the media on the papal flight broadcast by TV Duemila. ‘We know that Israel still does not accept that solution, but it is the only viable one. We are friends of Israel and want to be a mediating voice, in agreement with President Erdogan.’

The Pope emphasised Turkey’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. ‘Turkey, a Muslim-majority country with Christian and other religious communities, shows that it is possible to live together peacefully. This is an example of what we are seeking in the Middle East and in the world,’ explained Leo XIV.

On the Ukrainian front, the Pontiff recalled the Holy See’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, calling for a ceasefire and new constructive negotiations.

Upon his arrival in Beirut in the rain, Leo XIV Middle East peace was greeted with a spectacular ceremony that included the flight of a dove of peace. During his meeting with the Lebanese authorities, he called on them to be peacemakers ‘even in complex and conflictual contexts,’ highlighting the role of safe mobility and the resilience of the population.

The Pontiff praised the Lebanese people’s ability to ‘be reborn with courage’ and reiterated the importance of remaining in their own country to contribute to the development of peace and the civilisation of love. ‘You are a people who do not succumb; your energy and resilience are an example of peacemakers in the Middle East,’ concluded Leo XIV.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun replied: “Holy Father, we will remain here, we will breathe freedom, we will love innovation and modernity, and we will create a life worth living. Be the voice of our commitment not to give up and to remain a point of dialogue in the Middle East and the world.”

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(Photo: © AndKronos) Pope Leo XIV and peace in the Middle East