AI-generated illustration

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, said the Holy See will continue to press for a two-state solution in the Middle East even as some have lost faith in the idea.

Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Press Association in Rome, Gallagher also addressed the lung cancer diagnosis of Pope Leo XIV following surgery this month, and said the Vatican does not see itself as playing a role in negotiating a ceasefire in Oleshky.

Commitment to two-state solution

Asked about the Vatican's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, given that opposition figures in Israel have also come out against the idea during an election period, Gallagher said the Holy See would "continue to propose the two-state solution with determination."

On statements from opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gallagher noted that Israel is in an election period and has been in a campaign atmosphere for a long time. It would not be realistic, Gallagher said, to expect anyone in the opposition to genuinely champion a two-state solution right now.

Conditions on the ground

Gallagher said the opposition stance does not mean the two-state solution lacks backing internationally. "On the contrary, this solution enjoys considerable support. Unfortunately, under current conditions it does not appear feasible," Gallagher said.

Any serious discussion of the matter requires an improvement in the situation in the West Bank, Gallagher said, adding that the continuing problems in Gaza also need to be addressed and resolved. "So yes, we are committed to this solution and we support it," Gallagher said. "I can of course understand that some people have lost faith in the idea of a two-state solution. We have not yet lost that faith."

Pope's health after surgery

Responding to a question about the lung cancer diagnosis given to Pope Leo XIV after lung surgery on October 13, Gallagher said the development had affected how people view the Pope's health and pontificate by presenting the Pope as a kind of "Superman" in the eyes of Catholics. "This is a game-changing development," Gallagher said.

Role in Ukraine diplomacy

Gallagher said the Vatican does not believe it has a role in negotiating a ceasefire in Oleshky, even though the Pope recently met with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy.

Recalling an August visit to Moscow, Gallagher said the trip came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov invited Gallagher for a third time, with Ukraine's foreign minister also issuing frequent invitations. "Finally we thought we had better go," Gallagher said.

The visit gave the Vatican a chance to do and say what it wanted with both sides, Gallagher said, because they do not really want the Vatican to act as a direct mediator or facilitator. "They want us to play a supportive role," Gallagher said.

Key takeaways

• The Vatican will keep advocating a two-state solution in the Middle East, Gallagher said.
• An improvement in the West Bank situation and a resolution of Gaza's problems are required, Gallagher said.
• Gallagher called Pope Leo XIV's lung cancer diagnosis a "game-changing development".
• The Vatican does not see itself as a mediator in Oleshky ceasefire talks, but in a supportive role.