Pope Leo XIV Calls for Two-State Solution in Angelus
Pope Leo XIV’s call for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine at the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo on August 16 was the latest reaffirmation of the Holy See’s longstanding diplomatic stance on the conflict. Thi…
Pope Leo XIV’s call for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine at the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo on August 16 was the latest reaffirmation of the Holy See’s longstanding diplomatic stance on the conflict. This position is grounded in the belief that the two-state solution is the sole viable path to achieving a "just and lasting" peace in the region.
During the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need for international efforts to advance this solution, warning against the escalating violence and suffering that had afflicted the Palestinians in the West Bank. He stated, "I urgently call on the international community to work toward advancing the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace," reiterating the commitment that the Holy See has maintained over the past eight decades.
Historically, the Holy See’s endorsement of the two-state framework began with a 1947 United Nations plan calling for the partition of Mandatory Palestine. This diplomatic position had been established amid the backdrop of increasing tensions and remained consistent through various papacies, despite the Israeli government’s continuous rejection of the proposal.
Beginning with Pope Pius XII’s calls in the late 1940s to ensure protection for holy sites and the security of all individuals involved, the appeal for a balanced resolution has deep roots. Subsequent popes, including Paul VI and John Paul II, amplified the necessity of recognizing both the rights of Palestinians and the need for Israeli security, laying the groundwork for dialogue and potential peace.
Pope Benedict XVI, during a 2009 visit, reinforced this stance by affirming the need for a sovereign Palestinian state, while Pope Francis took further steps, formally recognizing the State of Palestine in a 2015 agreement and advocating for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the region.
Pope Leo XIV continues this legacy, repositioning the two-state issue at the forefront of discussions surrounding Middle Eastern peace. He stressed the critical need for the international community to actively pursue this path amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, underlining that the proposals of his predecessors remain urgent and await a response from the political landscape.
