Pope Leo says Erdogan talks focused on Gaza and Ukraine, sees Turkish role in peace efforts Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that he discussed both the Gaza war and the conflict in Ukraine directly with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying that the two leaders found common ground on key points and that Ankara could play a significant role in new peace efforts. Leo told journalists on his flight from Turkey to Lebanon that Erdogan agrees with the Holy See\u2019s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and could help advance emerging proposals aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. \u201cWe spoke about both situations,\u201d the pope said. \u201cThe Holy See has publicly supported, for several years, the proposal of a two-state solution. Israel at this moment does not accept it, but we see it as the only solution that could bring an end to this conflict. We are also friends of Israel, and we try to be a mediating voice between both sides.\u201d Pope Leo said Erdogan \u201cagrees with this proposal\u201d and stressed that Turkey \u201chas an important role it could play,\u201d both in Gaza and in efforts to ease the war in Ukraine. He noted that Turkey previously helped broker the Black Sea grain corridor, which allowed Ukraine to export food supplies safely through the war zone before the agreement collapsed in 2023. Now, he said, \u201cthere are concrete proposals for peace,\u201d and Erdogan\u2019s contacts with Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington could help advance \u201cdialogue, a ceasefire, and a way to resolve this conflict.\u201d The pope\u2019s comments came at the midpoint of his apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon, a trip he has framed as an appeal for peace across a region marked by conflict, displacement, and deep political fractures. Looking back on his days in Turkey, Pope Leo said his meetings and liturgies were marked by a spirit of \u201csimplicity and profundity,\u201d noting especially Friday\u2019s commemoration in Iznik for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. He also celebrated Sunday morning\u2019s Divine Liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, considered first among equals among Eastern Orthodox bishops, calling it \u201ca wonderful celebration.\u201d He highlighted Turkey\u2019s Christian minorities as a reminder that peaceful coexistence is possible even amid differences. At the same time, he acknowledged that Turkey has \u201cexperienced difficult moments in this regard throughout its history.\u201d The Holy Father also disclosed ongoing ecumenical discussions about 2033, marking 2,000 years since the Redemption. Church leaders, he said, are considering a shared Christian gathering for the anniversary, possibly in Jerusalem. Shortly after speaking to reporters, Pope Leo landed in Beirut to begin the Lebanon leg of his journey, where he is expected to address the country\u2019s political paralysis and encourage a population still recovering from war and economic collapse. Follow all EWTN News coverage of Pope Leo\u2019s First Apostolic Trip here. 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. More news related to this article Reviving the Faith in Europe’s North Belgian prime minister criticizes Pope Francis for statements on abortion Pope Leo XIV plans to hold major meeting of cardinals in January Pope Francis expels two more members of Sodality of Christian Life Pope Francis announces prayer vigil, day of fasting for peace in Israel-Hamas war PHOTOS: Pope Francis celebrates Good Friday liturgy at the Vatican<\/p>\n