Pope Leo XIV has insisted that Europe must play a central role in any Ukraine peace agreement, whilst launching a sharp rebuke at the Trump administration for what he described as attempts to “break apart” the historic transatlantic alliance.
Speaking to journalists following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently touring European capitals to secure backing for Kyiv , the American pontiff addressed the pressing need for a ceasefire and outlined the Vatican’s ongoing work to help repatriate Ukrainian children removed by Russian forces.
When questioned about the American peace proposal and concerns that European nations were being marginalised in negotiations, Leo delivered his response as he departed his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, emphasising that European involvement was essential to reaching any settlement.
“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” he stated.
“Guarantees are also 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 seek a solution together.”
According to Zelensky, the peace framework under discussion with American and European partners comprises three separate documents: a 20-point framework agreement, a second document outlining security guarantees, and a third focused on Ukraine‘s reconstruction.
Leo was questioned about the American peace proposal for Ukraine but seemed to address wider concerns regarding the Trump administration’s stance on transatlantic relations.
The Trump administration’s recently published national security strategy has raised doubts about the US-European partnership whilst indicating a preference for strengthening ties with Russia.
Leo commented that what he had seen would “make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States.”
He also noted that certain remarks by US President Donald Trump suggest an attempt “trying to break apart what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.”
Whilst some Americans may support this approach, “I think many others would see things in a different way,” Leo observed.
The Holy See has sought to maintain impartiality in Russia‘s conflict whilst providing solidarity and practical aid to what it describes as the “martyred” Ukrainian people.
Leo has now held three meetings with Zelensky and has had at least one telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The American pontiff has appealed for a ceasefire and particularly urged Russia to make conciliatory gestures towards peace.
The Vatican has also worked to secure the return of Ukrainian children removed by Russian authorities, with Leo meeting some of these returned youngsters at the Vatican last month.
