Pope Leo XIV urged an end to violence in the Holy Land and called for a two-state solution during a prayer service.
The appeal comes as escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in the region prompt international calls for restraint and a political resolution to the crisis.
Speaking from the Vatican residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the Pope delivered these remarks during the Angelus prayer on July 26, 2026 [1]. He called on all involved parties to suspend attacks and reopen paths of dialogue and diplomacy, he said.
While some reports focused on the specific escalation of violence in the West Bank, other accounts noted that violence has increased across both Gaza and the West Bank. The Pope said he continues to call for an end to the violence in the Holy Land and urges a political solution.
The pontiff emphasized the necessity of a diplomatic framework to ensure long-term stability. "We must pray for a just peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East," the Pope said.
This diplomatic push occurs as the Vatican seeks to leverage its influence to prevent further bloodshed. The Pope's call for a two-state solution aligns with long-standing international diplomatic goals, though such goals have faced significant hurdles in recent years.
By calling for an immediate suspension of attacks, the Pope is positioning the church as a mediator for peace. He said the return to diplomacy is the only viable path to resolve the ongoing turmoil.
“"Suspend attacks and reopen paths of dialogue and diplomacy."”
The Vatican's renewed emphasis on a two-state solution reflects a strategic attempt to stabilize the region through moral authority and diplomatic pressure. By specifically calling for a suspension of attacks, Pope Leo XIV is attempting to create a window for political negotiations at a time when humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the West Bank have reached a critical point.
