In response to a journalist's question about what he discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is besieged by the Israeli occupation army, as well as the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo said: "Of course we talked to him about both situations. The Vatican has long and publicly supported the two-state solution."
He continued: "We all know that Israel does not accept this solution at the present time, and we see that this (two-state solution) is the only solution capable of ending the ongoing conflict," adding: "We are also friends of Israel, and we are trying to be a mediating voice that helps the two sides get closer to a solution that achieves justice for all."
He noted that he had also discussed this matter with President Erdoğan, adding that the president "certainly supports this proposal." He emphasized that "Turkey can play an important role in this regard," while stressing that the same applies to Ukraine.
He added: “A few months ago, when the possibility of dialogue between the Ukrainian and Russian sides emerged, President (Erdogan) helped a great deal in bringing the two sides together. Unfortunately, we have not seen any solution yet, but today concrete proposals for peace have emerged again.”
Pope Leo XIV praised the role played by the Turkish President in regional issues, expressing his hope that “President Erdogan’s relations with the President of Ukraine (Volodymyr Zelensky), the Russian President (Vladimir Putin), and the President of the United States (Donald Trump) can help to encourage dialogue and take steps towards a ceasefire, and find ways to end this war.”
On Thursday, Pope Leo arrived in Turkey and held a meeting with President Erdogan in Ankara on the first day of his visit. He then moved to Istanbul to participate in several events and also visited the city of Iznik in the province of Bursa.
The Vatican chief said his visit to Turkey was wonderful, expressing his gratitude to President Erdogan in particular. He stated that he came to Turkey and is going to Lebanon as part of this tour, carrying a special message that he is an ambassador of peace.
He explained that his tour aims to promote peace throughout the region, noting that "Turkey has many advantages; it is a country with a Muslim majority, but it also embraces many Christian communities, and followers of different religions can live there in peace, even if they are small minorities."
He continued: "Türkiye is a country where people of different religions live in an atmosphere of peace, and this is an example to be followed," stressing that these advantages should inspire the whole world.
He added: “I can say that this is an example of what we are looking for everywhere in the world. Despite religious, ethnic and many other differences, people can truly live in peace.” He noted that being able to talk to President Erdogan about peace was an important and valuable element of his visit to Turkey.
