With the ongoing violence in the Middle East, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Pope Francis had a phone conversation with the President of Turkey.
The President requested the call, which focused on the situation in the Holy Land in particular. The Pope expressed his sorrow for the conflict as he has done on several occassions.
POPE FRANCIS
Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians but rather fuel hatred, violence, revenge and only make both sides suffer. The Middle East does not need war but peace: a peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of fraternity.
During the conversation, Pope Francis also reiterated the Vatican's position that a two-state solution and special status for Jerusalem would be the best way to achieve lasting peace.
This is not the first phone call the Pope has had with a head of state since the escalation of conflict on October 7. Just last week, he spoke with President Joe Biden about the situation between Israel and Palestine.
KG