Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, November 30, called on the Lebanese people to embrace reconciliation and to remain in their divided, crisis-hit country, which has seen waves of emigration. Arriving from Turkey on his first international trip, the American pope brought a message of peace for the country, while also urging its leaders to put themselves fully “at the service of your people.”

Lebanon has been mired in a years-long economic collapse, and many in the country also fear a return to war after a recent conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

“There are times when it is easier to flee, or simply more convenient to move elsewhere. It takes real courage and foresight to stay or return to one’s own country,” the pope told officials, diplomats and civil society representatives in a speech given at Lebanon’s presidential palace. He also urged the Lebanese people, whose nation is plagued by deep sectarian and political divisions, to take up the “path of reconciliation” during his remarks, which were met with applause.

The pope emphasized the need for peace, using the word more than 20 times during the address, without mentioning any specific international or regional conflicts, including the war between Hezbollah and Israel. “Here, as in other parts of the world, uncertainty, violence, poverty and many other threats are leading to an exodus of young people and families seeking a future elsewhere, even though it is very painful to leave one’s homeland,” the pope said.

Two-state solution

The pope also said that a two-state solution was the only one likely to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. “The Holy See has publicly backed the proposal for a two-state solution for several years. We all know that Israel still does not accept it, but we consider it the only solution likely to resolve the current conflict,” he said during a brief exchange.

He said he discussed the issue on Thursday in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, “who fully supports this proposal.” “Turkey has an important role to play in this process,” the pontiff added.

The Holy See has recognized the State of Palestine since 2015. Since his election in May, the pope has expressed his solidarity with the “martyred land” of Gaza and denounced the forced displacement of Palestinians. On Sunday, he said the Vatican maintained “friendly” relations with Israel and had offered its services as a mediator.