Pope says dialogue is currently 'broken' regarding a two state solution in Palestine

 CASTEL GANDOLFO – Pope Leo XIV reaffirmes that the Vatican continues to support a two state solution for Palestine, and believes that a united Europe could make a real difference in helping the war in Ukraine.

 It was around 9pm on Tuesday evening when the Pope emerged through the gates of Villa Barberini, in Castel Gandolfo, where he arrived on Monday, and before leaving to return to the Vatican, he stopped to speak with journalists that had awaited him since the afternoon, Vatican News reports.

 The Pontiff didn’t shy away from the questions of reporters and when asked about the Palestinian cause he said that “the Holy See has recognized the two state solution for many years,” and that “we must look for a way to respect all peoples” and that the recognition of the state of Palestine “could help, but at this moment there isn’t really any willingness to listen on the other side, and therefore the dialogue is broken at the moment.”

 As for Gaza, the Pope reported that he has put himself in contact with the parish of the Holy Family this afternoon: “Thanks to God that those in the parish are fine,” but that the raids “grow closer and closer.”

 Regarding Europe and Russia’s attacks and raids, the Pope said that “someone is looking for an escalation of the situation, and it is more and more dangerous every time.” He therefore reiterated the “need to lay down weapons,” to “stop military advances” and to get closer to the “negoatiation table,” adding that “if Europe were truly united it could do a lot.”

 When asked about rearmament, the Pope recognises that it is about “political issues as well as pressures from outside of Europe” on which “it is better not to comment.” Finally, with regards to the diplomatic action of the Holy See, the Pope explained; “We are continually talking to ambassadors, we are also trying with heads of state, and when they come we are searching for a solution.”

 With some of them, the Pope concludes that there have been interviews.

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