Pope Leo XIV Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Says Europe Must Help Shape Any Ukraine Peace Deal
Pope Leo XIV has urged world leaders to pursue an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine, stressing that Europe must have a leading voice in any peace agreement. His remarks also included a pointed warning to the Trump administration, which he suggested is undermining the longstanding partnership between the United States and Europe.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the president’s tour of European capitals, the pontiff highlighted the Vatican’s continued efforts to assist in humanitarian issues, including helping return Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
When asked about the American-backed peace proposal and growing concerns that Europe was being pushed aside in negotiations, Pope Leo responded clearly as he departed Castel Gandolfo.
He emphasized that excluding Europe from discussions would make any peace plan unworkable, noting that the war is taking place on European soil and that long-term security guarantees must involve European nations.
Pope Leo added that this moment offers European leaders a chance to unite around a shared strategy for ending the conflict.
Zelensky explained that current negotiations involve three key documents: a 20-point framework for peace, a detailed plan for security guarantees, and a reconstruction strategy for Ukraine.
While the pope was asked specifically about the American proposal, his comments reflected broader concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to transatlantic relations. The administration’s new national security strategy has raised eyebrows by signaling a shift toward closer cooperation with Russia while downplaying the importance of the US-European alliance.
Pope Leo warned that such moves could significantly alter a partnership that has shaped global security for decades. He suggested that some of President Trump’s statements appear aimed at weakening the alliance, though he acknowledged that many Americans would likely disagree with that direction.
Although the Vatican maintains neutrality in global conflicts, Pope Leo has consistently expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine. He has met with Zelensky multiple times and has spoken directly with Vladimir Putin as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
He has repeatedly appealed for both an immediate ceasefire and meaningful gestures from Russia to move toward a just peace. The Vatican has also assisted in the return of Ukrainian children removed from their families, with the pope personally meeting several of them during a recent visit to the Holy See.
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