ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV insisted on Tuesday that Europe must play a role in any peace deal between Ukraine and criticized what he said was the Trump administration’s effort to “break” the long-standing alliance between the United States and Europe.
Leo spoke to reporters after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on another tour to gather European support for Kyiv. The American Pope said they discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.
Leo was asked about the US peace proposal and the fact that the European powers would be sidelined in the process. Speaking as he left his holiday home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted Europe’s role was crucial to any deal.
“Looking for a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is not realistic, since the war is in Europe,” he said. “Guarantees are being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and find a solution together.”
Zelenskyy said that there are three documents in the peace agreement that are being discussed with the American and European partners, a framework document of 20 points, a second document with security guarantees, and a third document on the recovery of Ukraine.
Leo was asked about the US peace plan for Ukraine but appeared to respond to a broader question about the Trump administration’s views on the US-European alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration released the national security strategy of the United States, which questions the alliance between the United States and Europe and stresses the desire to improve relations between the United States and Russia.
Leo said that what he had read would “make a big change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States.” In addition, some comments from US President Donald Trump suggest an effort “trying to break what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.”
While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, “I think many others see things differently,” Leo said.
The Holy See tried to remain neutral in Russia’s war while offering solidarity and concrete help to what it calls the “martyr” people of Ukraine. Leo has now met three times with Zelenskyy and spoken by phone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The American Pope called for a cease-fire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.
The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by the Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some returned children in the Vatican.
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