Pope Leo: Palestinian state 'only solution' to Israeli conflict

Pope Leo said on Sunday that the only solution in the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people must include a Palestinian state, reaffirming the Vatican's position.

"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 US pope, told journalists on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon during his first in-flight press conference.

"We are also friends with Israel and we are seeking to be a mediating voice between the two parties that might help them close in on a solution with justice for everyone," added the pope, speaking in Italian.

Most political figures in Israel - including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - are vehemently opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state.

Leo spoke in a brief eight-minute press conference focused on his visit to Turkey, which he visited from Thursday to Sunday on his first overseas trip since election in May as leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

The pope said he and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed both the Israel-Palestinian and Ukraine-Russia conflicts.

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

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

Critical of Israeli military in Gaza

Leo, who usually prefers using careful, diplomatic language, ramped up criticism earlier this year of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

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

Leo praised Turkey as an example of religious co-existence.

"People of different religions are able to live in peace," said the pope. "That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world."

Leo is visiting Lebanon until Tuesday, when he returns to Rome.

(Reuters and TNA staff)