"If Europe were truly united, I believe it could make a difference," said Leo XIV on September 23, 2025. The Pope was answering questions posed by several Italian media outlets outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, as he prepared to return to the Vatican.
These mini press conferences are becoming a part of the Pope's Tuesday routine, as this week was the third in a row that saw him spend his "day off" at Castel Gandolfo. Leaving the grounds to return to the Vatican, the Pope has been stopped by the press and responded briefly to their questions.
On September 23, they asked about the risk of war in Europe following Russia's airspace violations.
The Holy Father also briefly commented on the recognition of the State of Palestine by several nations, and the situation in Gaza.
Someone is trying to provoke
"Someone is trying to provoke an escalation, and the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous," said the Pope, when asked about Russian incursions into European airspace.
"I insist once again: We must renounce weapons, abandon military interests, and come to the negotiating table," Leo XIV said, without mentioning Russia by name.
When asked about the increase in military spending, Leo XIV replied that these are "political issues, often due to pressure from outside Europe."
This was likely a veiled reference to the demands of US President Donald Trump, who wants to push all NATO countries to increase their military budgets to at least 5% of GDP.
2-State solution
Regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine, the Pope acknowledged that this type of approach "could help, but at the moment, there is no willingness to listen on the other side, so dialogue has broken down."
Calling for "a way to respect all peoples," Leo XIV recalled that "the Holy See has promoted the two-state solution for many years."
The Holy See formally recognized the State of Palestine in 2015.
But the Pope opined that recognition of the State of Palestine by Washington is very unlikely in the short term, saying that "the United States will be the last" to change its stance.
When asked about the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip and its consequences for the small local Christian community, the Pope replied that "thank God, the parish is doing well, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to communicate with them."
Constant dialogue
In the explosive international context, Leo XIV assured that the Holy See maintains "constant dialogue with ambassadors" and that it is also trying to "seek a solution" with the leaders he meets at the Vatican.
He also explained that he had recently been in contact with certain heads of state regarding the current geopolitical tensions.
