Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and urged the international community to support a two-state solution.
The Pontiff shared the message through a social media post on X platform on Sunday August 16, 2026.
“I renew my appeal for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank, and I urgently call on the international community to work toward advancing the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace,” Pope Leo XIV said calling on the international community to work toward a two-state solution.
The West Bank has seen continuing violence involving Palestinians and Israeli settlers. Recent reports have focused on Qusra, a Palestinian village where residents reported being surrounded by settlers and facing disruption to basic services.
The Pope’s statement did not refer to a specific incident. Instead, he made a broader appeal for an end to violence against Palestinian civilians and for international efforts to advance a political solution.
The two-state solution generally refers to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The Vatican has repeatedly supported this approach as a way to seek lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Pope Leo’s latest comments continue the Vatican’s long-standing call for peace, protection of civilians and a negotiated political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
