VATICAN CITY, January 9, 2026 (WAFA) — Pope Leo XIV on Friday affirmed that Palestinian civilians have the right to live in peace on their land in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, reiterating the Holy See’s support for a two-state solution.

During his annual meeting with diplomats accredited to the Vatican to exchange New Year greetings, the Pope said, “The humanitarian suffering of civilians continues despite the ceasefire announced in October, adding to the hardships they have already endured. The Holy See closely follows every diplomatic initiative aimed at ensuring a future of lasting peace and justice for Palestinians in Gaza, for all Palestinians, and for all Israelis."

He continued, "In particular, the two-state solution remains the institutional framework that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both peoples. Instead, we unfortunately see escalating violence in the West Bank against Palestinian civilians, who have the right to live in peace on their land.”

The Pope criticized the resurgence of war, describing it as “trending as if it were fashionable,” and noted growing militarization and the weakening of international multilateralism. He stressed that diplomacy promoting dialogue and consensus is increasingly being replaced by “the diplomacy of force,” exercised by individuals or groups of allies.

“The principle established after World War II, which prohibited states from using force to violate another’s borders, has been broken. Peace is no longer sought as a gift or a good in itself; it is demanded by the force of arms as a means to impose dominance and sovereignty,” he added.

Pope Leo XIV warned that this trend undermines the rule of law, which he described as the foundation for all civilized coexistence in peace.

M.N