Pope Leo reveals Mideast peace talks with Trump, Netanyahu, other regional players Pope Leo XIV has begun conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel\u2019s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the need to halt violence and seek solutions in the Middle East, the pope told journalists on his Tuesday flight from Beirut to Rome. The wide-ranging news conference also touched on Ukraine, the Catholic Church in Germany, and Leo\u2019s own election as pope, among other topics. In response to a question referring to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political party and militia that holds significant influence in Lebanon, the pope said that during the trip he also held personal meetings with representatives of unnamed political groups involved in regional conflicts. \u201cOur work is not something we announce publicly,\u201d he said. \u201cWe try to convince the parties to put down the arms and violence and come together to the table of dialogue.\u201d Leo also addressed concerns about Islam in Europe, saying fear is often \u201cgenerated by people who are against immigration.\u201d He said the Middle East offers an alternative model. \u201cOne of the great lessons that Lebanon can teach to the world,\u201d he said, \u201cis showing a land where Islam and Christianity are both present and respected, and where there is a possibility to live together.\u201d On Ukraine, Leo repeated his appeal for a ceasefire. He acknowledged that the United States is seeking to promote a peace plan, but \u201cthe presence of Europe is important,\u201d noting that the administration in Washington modified its first proposal after European concerns. He suggested that Italy could play \u201ca very important role\u201d as an intermediary. Asked about his own election, he said he had once imagined retiring. He affirmed his commitment to conclave secrecy but recalled telling a reporter the day before his election that \u201ceverything is in the hands of God.\u201d When the reality of the vote became clear, he said, \u201cI took a deep breath. I said, here we go, Lord, you are in charge.\u201d Leo added that he is often amused by journalists\u2019 interpretations of his expressions. \u201cYou think you can read my mind or my face,\u201d he joked, \u201cand you are not always correct.\u201d Leo said he hopes his next trip will be to somewhere in Africa and said he wants eventually to go to Algeria to visit sites associated with St. Augustine and continue building bridges with Muslims. He said he would also like to visit Argentina and Uruguay, which have been waiting for a papal visit. He added that other Latin American countries, including Peru, are being considered, but \u201cnothing is confirmed.\u201d On Venezuela, Leo said the Holy See is working with the national bishops\u2019 conference and the nuncio to calm tensions after recent threats from the United States. \u201cWe are looking for ways to calm the situation,\u201d he said, \u201cseeking above all the good of the people, because so often those who suffer are the people, not the authorities.\u201d Responding to a question about the German Church\u2019s Synodal Way, a controversial series of meetings of bishops and laity that have proposed major changes to Catholic doctrine and governance, Leo noted concerns among many German Catholics that \u201ccertain aspects of the Synodal Way \u2026 do not represent their own hope for the Church.\u201d He stressed the need for \u201cdialogue and listening \u2026 so that the voice of those who are more powerful does not silence or stifle\u201d others. \u201cI suspect there will be some adjustments made on both sides in Germany, but I\u2019m certainly hopeful that things will work out positively,\u201d Leo said. He added that the ongoing meetings between German bishops and the Roman Curia aim \u201cto try and make sure that the German Synodal Way does not, if you will, break away from what needs to be considered as the pathway of the universal Church.\u201d Asked what the Middle Eastern Church can offer the West, Leo reflected on the value of unity in an individualistic age. \u201cYoung people ask, why should I want to be one?\u201d he said. \u201cBut unity, friendship, human relationships, communion are extremely important and extremely valuable.\u201d Recalling the testimony of Christians and Muslims who helped one another after their villages were destroyed, he said such gestures show how \u201cauthentic peace and justice\u201d can take root when people overcome distrust. In response to a question about how he is learning to be pope, Leo recommended a book that he said has shaped his own life by the 17th-century Carmelite friar known as Brother Lawrence. \u201cIf you want to know something about me,\u201d he said, \u201cread \u2018The Practice of the Presence of God.\u2019 It describes a way of prayer where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead. That has been my spirituality for many years.\u201d This article was originally published by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Elias Turk Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. 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