Pope Leo Pushes Message of Peace on First Foreign Trip
Pope Leo has used his first overseas journey to call for peace in some of the world’s most volatile conflicts, saying the long-running Israel–Palestinian dispute must include a Palestinian state. Speaking to reporters on the flight from Turkey to Lebanon, he said: “We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution.” He stressed that the Vatican remains “friends with Israel” and hopes to act as a mediator “that might help them close in on a solution with justice for everyone”.
His arrival in Beirut came just days after Israeli airstrikes hit the Lebanese capital. For a pope known for caution and careful wording, choosing to land in a country shaken by conflict was seen as a bold step. Crowds lined the streets despite the rain, waving Lebanese and Vatican flags as his motorcade passed and tossing flower petals and rice in welcome.
Pope Leo became the first pope to pray at the tomb of St Charbel, a figure beloved by many Lebanese Christians. His schedule includes a prayer at the site of the 2020 port explosion, a disaster that killed more than 200 people and left billions in damage.
During his earlier stop in Turkey, the Pope stood next to President Erdogan and criticised powerful nations for fuelling global unrest, warning that “the future of humanity is at stake”. At a separate event, he insisted: “We must strongly reject the use of religion for justifying war, violence, or any form of fundamentalism or fanaticism.”
Despite his usually soft-spoken style, Pope Leo has grown more direct, especially on Gaza. He has previously warned about the rising number of conflicts and condemned violence carried out in the name of faith. Turkey’s religious diversity impressed him, telling reporters: “People of different religions are able to live in peace… That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world.”
The Lebanese government declared a two-day national holiday for the visit, and leaders from Christian, Muslim and Druze communities are meeting with him. Even Hezbollah sent a message of “full welcome” and “deep appreciation” for his presence.
Six months into his papacy, Pope Leo is still growing into the role, weighing each step carefully. But this trip — from Istanbul to Beirut — has made one thing clear: he intends to act as a messenger of peace, even in the world’s most fractured places.
