Pope Leo speaks by phone with Palestinian President Abbas
Pope Leo XIV received a telephone call from Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, on Monday morning. The conversation focused on the alarming developments in the Middle East conflict and the living conditions of the Palestinian people. The Holy See Press Office released a note detailing the contents of the call to journalists. The Pope reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue and respect for international law.
about 1 month ago
Pope Leo XIV received a telephone call from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on March 16, 2026.1 2 3 4
The discussion focused on alarming developments in the Middle East conflict and the dire living conditions of Palestinians.1 2 3 4
The Pope reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to peace through political and diplomatic dialogue.1 2 3 4
He emphasized full respect for international law as essential to resolving the crisis.1 2 3 4
Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza and the West Bank killed at least 16 people over the weekend, including police officers, civilians, and a pregnant woman with twins.2 3
These incidents occurred amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing hostilities triggered by Hamas's 2023 offensive.3
The call coincided with the third week of an Israeli-American offensive in Iran and intensified Israeli operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.2 3 4
Pope Leo recently appealed for a ceasefire, citing thousands killed, displacements, and strikes on schools and hospitals, including an Iranian girls' school.2
Abbas and Pope Leo met in person on November 6, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the Holy See-Palestine agreement.2 3 4
They discussed Gaza humanitarian aid and pursued a two-state solution during that Vatican visit.2 3 4
The Holy See supports a two-state solution with secure, recognized borders for Israel and Palestine.3 4
It maintains diplomatic ties with both, advocating Palestinian self-determination while acting as a moral voice for dialogue amid eroding trust.3 4
Pope’s diplomatic role in pursuing a two‑state solution
The Catholic Church, through the Holy See's diplomatic efforts under Pope Leo XIV, steadfastly promotes a two-state solution—a political framework envisioning sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states living side by side in peace—as the viable path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This position, rooted in principles of justice, human dignity, and mutual recognition of rights, builds on decades of papal teaching and recent engagements, emphasizing mediation, humanitarian aid, and dialogue amid ongoing violence.
The Holy See has consistently advocated for a two-state solution since the 1990s, viewing it as essential for peace, security, and the protection of holy sites and Christian communities in the Holy Land. This stance aligns with international resolutions and recognizes the legitimate aspirations of both peoples, while critiquing obstacles like settlements and occupation.
This framework prioritizes justice as a prerequisite for peace, ensuring rights for all, including Palestinian Christians as "living stones" of the Holy Land.
Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025, has actively pursued this vision through direct diplomacy, public addresses, and appeals, positioning the Holy See as a mediator friendly to both parties.
These statements reflect magisterial authority, blending moral principles with concrete geopolitical advocacy.
The Pope's role extends beyond statements to collaborative efforts, leveraging Vatican diplomacy for peacebuilding.
The Holy See acts as a neutral voice, fostering multilateralism and rejecting unilateralism.
Sources acknowledge persistent hurdles: Israel's non-acceptance, settlement expansion, violence, and humanitarian crises. Palestinian internal issues weaken their position. Yet, higher-authority recent papal statements (e.g., Leo XIV, 2025-2026) take precedence, maintaining optimism through dialogue and prayer. Scholarly sources like Gavin D’Costa explore theological dimensions but affirm Church salvific unity without dual covenants.
No sources contradict the two-state commitment; recency favors Leo XIV's active diplomacy.
Pope Leo XIV's diplomatic role embodies the Holy See's unwavering pursuit of a two-state solution through mediation, moral suasion, and solidarity, ensuring justice for Israelis and Palestinians alike. This approach, faithful to Catholic social teaching, calls for renewed global commitment to dialogue amid crises.