Pope Leo says Palestinian state is the only “solution to the conflict with Israel

“We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution”, Leo, the first American pope, told reporters in a flight from Turkey to Lebanon during his first press conference in flight, writes foreign media, sends out Telegrafi.

“We are also friends with Israel and we are seeking to be a moderator's voice between the two sides that could help them reach a fair solution for all”, the Pope added, speaking in Italian.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed opposition to a Palestinian state, as his biggest ally, the United States, also showed support for Palestinian independence.

Leo spoke at an eight-minute press conference focused on his visit to Turkey, which he visited from Thursday to Sunday on his first trip abroad since his May election as Catholic Church leader of 1.4 billion members.

As stated further, the Pope said he and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed both the Israeli-Palestinian and Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Turkey has an important role to play by helping end both wars, Leo stressed.

During his visit to Turkey, the Pope warned that mankind's future was at risk because of the unusual number of bloody conflicts in the world and condemned violence in the name of religion.

Leo, who usually prefers to use careful and diplomatic languages, added criticism earlier this year to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Turkey is mostly Muslim, but is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of 260 million Orthodox Christians in the world.

And Leo praised Turkey as an example of religious coexistence.

Various religious people are able to live in peace”, the Pope said. “This is an example of what I think we would all look all over the world”

Leo will visit Lebanon by Tuesday, when he returns to Rome. /Periscope/