Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his appeal for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, while calling on the international community to intensify efforts towards achieving a two-state solution.
Addressing worshippers following the weekly Angelus prayer, the pontiff urged an end “to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank,” according to Vatican News.
Leo also appealed to the international community to help create meaningful progress towards two independent states, describing such an outcome as essential for securing a just and lasting peace.
The Vatican has long supported a two-state framework based on secure and internationally recognised borders as the most viable way of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During his remarks, the pope also welcomed the opening of the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, southern Italy, expressing hope that sport could provide a symbol of unity at a time of conflict and division.
He said he hoped the Games would become “a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity” for the peoples of the Mediterranean region and beyond.
The event brings together athletes from African, Asian and European countries bordering the Mediterranean.