Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the Holy See’s long standing support for a two state solution in the Holy Land, while also calling for respect for the human and civil rights of the Venezuelan people. Addressing diplomats accredited to the Vatican, the Pope said the Holy See remains fully willing to support any initiative that promotes peace and harmony, even as conflicts continue to multiply across regions. Referring to the situation in Gaza, he warned that despite a truce announced late last year, civilians continue to endure a severe humanitarian crisis that compounds already deep suffering. The Pope framed the Vatican’s diplomatic posture as one rooted in persistence and moral responsibility rather than alignment with power blocs or strategic interests.
In his remarks on the Holy Land, the Pope stressed that peace cannot be sustained without justice for both Palestinians and Israelis. He reiterated that the two state solution remains the institutional framework capable of addressing the legitimate aspirations of both peoples, while expressing concern over renewed violence in the West Bank against Palestinian civilians. According to the Pope, the right of people to live in peace in their own land must remain central to any political or security calculations. He warned that actions which further fragment territory or undermine coexistence risk closing off already narrow pathways toward a negotiated settlement and long term stability in the region.
Turning to Latin America, Pope Leo XIV issued an appeal regarding Venezuela, urging peaceful political solutions and respect for the will of the people. He called on authorities to safeguard fundamental rights and to work toward a future marked by stability rather than coercion or repression. The Pope’s comments placed Venezuela alongside other global crises where civilian populations bear the heaviest cost of political confrontation. His intervention reflected the Vatican’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and human dignity, particularly in contexts where institutions are weakened and trust in governance has eroded.
The Pope also recalled other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire and sincere dialogue aimed at peace. While acknowledging the gravity of current global tensions, he pointed to historical examples where seemingly intractable conflicts were resolved through perseverance and negotiation. By invoking these precedents, Pope Leo XIV underscored his belief that peace remains achievable when international actors remain committed to just solutions. His address positioned the Holy See as a steady moral voice seeking to keep diplomacy oriented toward protection of the vulnerable and the restoration of hope.
