In an interview he gave to Italian public television Rai, Pope Francis referred, among other things, to the dramatic developments in the Middle East and immigration.

“War never solves anything, it’s always a defeat. These are constant slaps, which are getting stronger and stronger,” the pope said.

For the future of the Palestinian and Israeli people, he asked for “a wise solution, with two clearly demarcated states and a special status for Jerusalem” because “it is about two peoples that must coexist”.

Francis added that the main responsibility for the wars lies with the arms industries and revealed that he speaks every day by phone with nuns and priests who are in the Gaza Strip and offer help to Christians as well as Muslims.

“We must not get used to wars, human wisdom can stop them,” the pontiff underlined. Referring to Ukraine, he said he “understands the Ukrainians, who under Stalin suffered terrible persecution”, but “peace is needed”. “Stop for a while and look for a peace deal. Both in Ukraine and in the Middle East,” said the Argentine pope.

Answering a question about immigration, he emphasized: “five countries in Europe are suffering the most: Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy and Spain.” “These countries cannot accept all of them (immigrants), Europe must show solidarity,” he added.

“Immigrants must integrate into society, as Sweden did with so many citizens who also came from Latin America. Because when social inclusion is not achieved, problems arise. A constructive and pan-European immigration policy is therefore needed,” Pope Francis stressed.