Pope Leo Renews Two-State Solution Call

Pope Leo on Thursday held his first meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with both leaders emphasizing the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach civilians in the Gaza Strip and for renewed international commitment to a two-state solution.

According to a brief statement from the Holy See press office, the talks were “cordial” and underscored “the urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and to end the conflict by pursuing a two-State solution.”

The audience coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine, signed on June 26, 2015. The landmark text codified the Vatican’s recognition of Palestine and affirmed mutual commitment to Palestinian self-determination and peaceful coexistence through two sovereign states.

During his visit to Rome, Abbas also paid homage at the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Speaking to journalists afterward, he recalled the late pontiff’s historic step in recognizing the State of Palestine. “I cannot forget that he recognized Palestine without anyone having to ask him to do so,” Vatican News quoted Abbas as saying.

The meeting comes as Gaza continues to reel from the Israeli military offensive launched in October 2023, which has killed nearly 69,000 Palestinians and injured more than 170,000. A ceasefire was reached last month, anchored in a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.