Pope Affirms Palestinians’ Right to Peace and Security in Their Homeland
In a powerful address to the diplomatic corps at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV issued a clear and poignant call for peace and justice in the Holy Land, firmly upholding the right of Palestinians to live in security within their homeland.
During his annual meeting for the exchange of New Year’s greetings, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing violence and humanitarian suffering. “Sadly, there has been an increase in violence in the West Bank against the Palestinian civilian population, which has the right to live in peace in its own land,” he stated. Extending this affirmation to Gaza, he emphasized that civilians there must also be assured “a future of lasting peace and justice in their own land.”
The Pope noted that the humanitarian crisis persists despite the ceasefire announced last October, compounding the profound hardships already endured by the population. He assured that the Holy See is actively monitoring all diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a just and enduring peace for Palestinians in Gaza, for all Palestinians, and for all Israelis.
Reiterating a long-standing position of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV affirmed the two-state solution as the essential framework. It “remains the institutional framework that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both peoples,” he said. His comments directly contrasted this vision with the current reality of escalating violence in the West Bank.
Broadening his message to a global scale, the Pontiff delivered a sobering warning about the state of international relations. “War is back in vogue, and a zeal for war is spreading,” he lamented, pointing to the “weakness of multilateralism” as a particular cause for concern.
He critiqued a shifting diplomatic landscape, observing, “A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies.”
The Pope’s words serve as both a moral compass and a urgent appeal. They underscore the Vatican’s steadfast commitment to a peaceful resolution that recognizes the dignity, rights, and legitimate aspirations of all peoples in the region, while cautioning the world against a dangerous retreat from dialogue and collective action.
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