Pope Leo emphasized on Sunday that a lasting solution to the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people must include the establishment of a Palestinian state, reaffirming the Vatican’s long-standing position.

Speaking to journalists during his first in-flight press conference on a flight from Turkey to Lebanon, the pontiff acknowledged that Israel has yet to accept such a solution. “We all know that at this time Israel still does not accept that solution, but we see it as the only solution,” he said. He added that the Vatican aims to act as a mediating voice to help both parties reach a just resolution.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to oppose a Palestinian state, even after the U.S. indicated support for Palestinian independence.

The eight-minute press briefing primarily focused on Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey from Thursday to Sunday, his first overseas trip since being elected leader of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church in May. During his visit, Leo met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, discussing both the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine, highlighting Turkey’s strategic role in fostering peace.

The pope also warned that humanity’s future is at risk due to the unusually high number of violent conflicts worldwide, condemning violence perpetrated in the name of religion. Earlier this year, he notably criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, demonstrating a more direct stance than his typically cautious diplomatic language.

Praising Turkey as an example of religious coexistence, Leo noted, “People of different religions are able to live in peace. That is one example of what I think we all would be looking for throughout the world.” Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation, is also home to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the world’s 260 million Orthodox Christians.

Following his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo is scheduled to continue his Middle East tour in Lebanon until Tuesday before returning to Rome.