Pope Leo XIV claims to be in talks with the United States and Israel regarding a peace plan for the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal jet on Tuesday as he wrapped up his apostolic journey to Lebanon, the pontiff was asked how the Vatican is using its contacts with the U.S. and Israel to promote peace in the region.
“I believe sustainable peace is achievable. I think that when we talk about hope, when we talk about peace, when we look to the future, we do so because I believe it is possible that peace once again come to the region and come to your country, to Lebanon,” Pope Leo XIV responded.
He continued: “In fact, I have already, in a very small way, begun a few conversations with some of the leaders of places that you have mentioned, and I would intend to continue to do that, personally or through the Holy See, because the fact is that we do have diplomatic relationships with most of the countries through the region, and it would be our hope certainly to continue to raise that call for peace that I spoke of at the very end of the Mass today.”
The pope was in Turkey and Lebanon from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 on his first-ever apostolic journey, themed around the “search for unity” between the Orthodox and Catholic churches. There, he voiced his support for a two-state solution, which the Vatican has long argued in favor.
He prayed alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I — the first among equals of Orthodox patriarchs — and issued a joint declaration on the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a landmark council that established the core theological principles of Christianity.
The two clerics emphasized in their joint declaration an aversion to religious warfare and sectarian violence.
“The goal of Christian unity includes the objective of contributing in a fundamental and life-giving manner to peace among all peoples. Together we fervently raise our voices in invoking God’s gift of peace upon our world,” the pope and patriarch wrote.
They continued: “Tragically, in many regions of our world, conflict and violence continue to destroy the lives of so many. We appeal to those who have civil and political responsibilities to do everything possible to ensure that the tragedy of war ceases immediately, and we ask all people of good will to support our entreaty.”
POPE VISITS ISTANBUL’S BLUE MOSQUE WITHOUT PRAYING AS HE FOCUSES ON UNIFYING CHRISTIANS
During the Thursday press conference aboard the papal jet, the pope also touched on President Donald Trump’s hostilities with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“There is the danger, there is the possibility there will be some activity, some [military] operation,” the pontiff said. “The voices that come from the United States, they change with a certain frequency.”
Pope Leo urged the U.S. not to strike Maduro and to search for another way to enact change in the country if necessary.
