Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urged the international community to intensify efforts toward achieving a two-state solution.

Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, the leader of the Catholic Church called for an end to what he described as “repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian population of the West Bank,” according to Vatican News.

The Pope also issued an urgent appeal to the international community to make meaningful progress toward a two-state solution, which he described as essential to achieving a just and lasting peace.

The Vatican has consistently supported a two-state solution based on secure and internationally recognized borders, viewing it as a viable path toward lasting peace in the region.

Pope Leo also marked the opening of the Mediterranean Games in the southern Italian city of Taranto, expressing hope that the sporting event would serve as “a prophetic sign of peace and fraternity” among the peoples of the Mediterranean region and the wider world.

The event brings together athletes from countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe bordering the Mediterranean.