A Palestinian state is the only way to end the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people, Pope Leo XIV has said. The head of the Catholic Church told journalists on a flight to Lebanon that Israel does not accept a Palestinian state at the moment but a two-state framework would be the only way to justice.

Pope Leo urged leaders from Lebanon's many diverse religious sects on Monday to unite to heal the country after years of conflict, political paralysis and economic crisis that have prompted waves of migration abroad.

Leo undertook the tour "in a spirit of reflection and listening, with deep respect for the place and for the faith of those who gather there in prayer," the Vatican said.

Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque on Saturday but didn't stop to pray, as he opened an intense day of meetings and liturgies with Turkey's Christian leaders, where he again emphasized the need for Christians to be united.

The best way to describe him is as the anti-polarization pope. His biggest issues are peace and unity. He knows he’s operating in a context where very few world leaders are talking that way. It’s not a collaborative world. He’s looking at a polarized landscape and responding to it.

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Lebanon on the second leg of his historic first international trip as pontiff, visiting Christian communities amid regional tensions and ongoing crisis.

Pope Leo XIV plans to pray at an Armenian Apostolic cathedral in Istanbul in a gesture supporting Christian unity and Christian minorities in Turkey

Pope Leo XIV received a raucous, cheering welcome from priests and nuns at the seat of the Maronite church in Lebanon on Monday.