Pope Leo (left) with Lebanon's prime minister Nawaf Salam at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on November 30th. Photograph: Alessandro Di Meo/Pool/AFP via GettyThe only solution in the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people must include a Palestinian state, Pope Leo said on Sunday, reaffirming the Vatican’s position. Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed opposition to a Palestinian state after even its biggest ally the US indicated support for Palestinian independence. Pope Leo XIV arrives in the popemobile at the Lebanese presidential palace to meet with president Joseph Aoun in Beirut on Sunday. Photograph: Adri Salido/GettyHours before Leo’s arrival, crowds gathered along the roads from the airport to the presidential palace, waving Lebanese and Vatican flags.

Source: The Irish Times November 30, 2025 20:28 UTC