Pope Leo XIV delivered sharp criticism of the Trump administration on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, insisting that Europe must play a central role in any Ukraine peace deal and condemning what he characterized as efforts to dismantle the long-standing U.S.-European alliance.
The American pope spoke to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. The meeting took place as Zelenskyy continued his tour to rally European support for Kyiv amid ongoing peace negotiations involving the United States and European partners.
During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV and Zelenskyy discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities. The pope has now met three times with the Ukrainian president as the war continues and diplomatic efforts intensify.
When asked about the U.S. peace proposal and the apparent sidelining of European powers in the process, Pope Leo XIV made clear his position on Europe’s essential involvement. “Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” he said. He emphasized that security guarantees are being sought for both the present and future, making European participation necessary.
The pontiff noted that while not everyone understands this reality, there exists a significant opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together. His comments reflected broader concerns about the direction of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy has indicated that three documents are currently being discussed in the peace agreement negotiations with U.S. and European partners. The first is a framework document containing 20 points, the second covers security guarantees, and the third addresses Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction needs.
While Pope Leo XIV was specifically asked about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine, he appeared to respond more broadly to questions about the Trump administration’s overall approach to the U.S.-Europe alliance. His concerns stem from the Trump administration’s release last week of its national security strategy, which questions the U.S.-European alliance and emphasizes a desire to improve U.S.-Russia relations.
The pope stated that what he had read in the strategy would make a huge change in what has been for many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States. He went further, suggesting that some comments by President Trump indicate an effort to break apart what needs to remain an alliance both today and in the future.
Pope Leo XIV acknowledged that some people in the United States may support such a shift in foreign policy approach. However, he expressed his belief that many other Americans would see things differently, suggesting a divide within U.S. public opinion on the matter.
The Vatican has attempted to maintain a careful balance throughout Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in the conflict while simultaneously offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it describes as the martyred people of Ukraine. This diplomatic positioning reflects the Vatican’s traditional role as a neutral mediator in international conflicts.
Beyond his meetings with Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV has also engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking with him by telephone at least once. The American pope has consistently called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures that would promote peace.
The Vatican’s humanitarian efforts have included working to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities during the war. Last month, Pope Leo XIV met with some of these returned children at the Vatican, highlighting the personal dimension of the conflict and the Holy See’s commitment to addressing its humanitarian consequences.
The pope’s comments Tuesday represent some of his strongest criticism yet of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. As an American himself, Pope Leo XIV’s remarks carry particular weight and may resonate differently with U.S. audiences than criticism from European leaders might.
The timing of the pope’s statement coincides with a critical period in Ukraine peace negotiations, as various parties work to establish a framework for ending the conflict. The question of Europe’s role in any final agreement remains contentious, with the pope’s intervention adding a moral and diplomatic dimension to the debate.
