Establishment of independent Palestinian state is the only solution: Pope Leo

The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, said that the only realistic solution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He made the comments while talking to reporters on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon.

He said, "Israel is not yet accepting that solution (an independent Palestinian state). But we see it as the only way. We are also friends of Israel and we want to act as a mediating voice between the two sides, so that progress can be made towards a just solution."

Meanwhile, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, Israel's biggest ally, the United States, has also recently expressed support for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

In a brief eight-minute press conference on his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo also said that in his talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in addition to the Israel-Palestine issue, the Ukraine-Russia conflict was also discussed. The Pope commented that Turkey could play an important role in ending both wars.

Pope Leo warned that the unusual number of bloody conflicts in different parts of the world threatens the future of humanity. He also strongly condemned violence in the name of religion.

Reuters reports.