ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must play a role in any peace deal with Ukraine and criticized what he said was the Trump administration’s effort to “break up” the longstanding alliance between the United States and Europe.

Leo spoke to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on another tour to rally 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 kidnapped by Russian authorities.

Leo was asked about the United States peace proposal and the apparent marginalization of European powers in the process. Leaving his holiday home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted that Europe’s role was crucial to any deal.

Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must play a role in any peace deal with Ukraine and criticized what he said was the Trump administration's effort to “break up” the long-standing alliance between the United States and Europe.
Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must play a role in any peace deal with Ukraine and criticized what he said was the Trump administration’s effort to “break up” the long-standing alliance between the United States and Europe.

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“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is not realistic, given that the war is in Europe,” he said. “Guarantees for security today and in the future are also sought. Europe must be part of this and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to come together and find a solution together.”

Zelenskyy has said there are three documents in the peace deal being discussed with American and European partners, a 20-point framework document, a second document with security guarantees and a third document on Ukraine’s recovery.

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-Europe alliance.

Last week, the Trump administration released its US national security strategy, which questions the US-Europe alliance and emphasizes the desire to improve relations between the US and Russia.

Leo said that what he had read “would mark a big change in what for many, many years was a true alliance between Europe and the United States.”

Additionally, some comments by US President Donald Trump suggest an effort “to try to break up what I believe should be an alliance today and in the future.”

While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, “I think many others would see things differently,” Leo said.

The Holy See has sought to remain neutral in Russia’s war while offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it calls the “martyred” people of Ukraine. Leo has met with Zelenskyy three times and has spoken by phone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American Pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some returned children at the Vatican.

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