On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Pope Leo XIV sent a strong message, asserting that Europe’s involvement is crucial in any negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The American pope voiced his criticism following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s holiday residence south of Rome. He expressed disapproval over what he sees as the Trump administration’s attempts to weaken the longstanding U.S.-European alliance.
The meeting marked the third gathering between Pope Leo and Zelenskyy as the Ukrainian president continues his tour across Europe to garner support for Kyiv in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The duo’s discussion focused on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.
Responding to questions about U.S. peace proposals and the seeming marginalization of European powers in the diplomatic process, Pope Leo held a clear stance. “Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” the Pope stated as he left his holiday residence. He stressed that both current and future security guarantees require European involvement, adding that this fact is not fully comprehended by everyone.
Pope Leo’s comments were a response to broader questions about the Trump administration’s approach to the U.S.-European relationship. Last week, the administration unveiled its U.S. national security strategy, which seems to question the traditional U.S.-European alliance while simultaneously expressing a desire to enhance relations with Russia. The Pope suggested that this approach represented a significant departure from the longstanding alliance between Europe and the United States.
In relation to President Trump’s commentary on the matter, Pope Leo pointed out that some statements indicate an attempt to dismantle the alliance, which he believes should remain integral now and in the future. “European leaders have a great opportunity to unite and seek a solution together,” Pope Leo declared. He acknowledged that while some Americans may support this policy shift, many others likely hold a different view.
President Zelenskyy is currently discussing a peace framework consisting of three separate documents with U.S. and European partners. This includes a 20-point framework document outlining the overall agreement structure, a second document detailing security guarantees, and a third document addressing Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction needs.
The Holy See has maintained a balanced position throughout Russia’s war in Ukraine, striving to remain neutral while expressing solidarity and providing practical assistance to the suffering people of Ukraine. This diplomatic strategy has involved engagements with leaders on both sides of the conflict. Pope Leo has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and this meeting with Zelenskyy is their third encounter.
Pope Leo has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and urged Russia to take actions that would foster peace. Beyond diplomatic efforts, the Vatican has been actively working to secure the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities during the conflict. Last month, the Pope met with some of these returned children at the Vatican, demonstrating the Holy See’s commitment to humanitarian concerns amid the broader geopolitical tensions.
Pope Leo’s comments denote growing unease in Europe about the direction of American foreign policy under the Trump administration. The traditional transatlantic partnership, which has been a cornerstone of Western security architecture since World War II, is facing questions about its future configuration. European leaders have expressed worry about potential changes to this relationship, especially as the war in Ukraine persists with no immediate end in sight.
The Pope stressed that European leaders have a significant opportunity to unite and seek solutions together, suggesting that collective action among European nations could provide a key to shaping any eventual peace settlement. His statement highlights the Vatican’s viewpoint that lasting peace in Ukraine requires substantial European involvement in both the negotiation process and any resulting security arrangements.
The intervention of the Pope adds a significant moral and diplomatic voice to the debate on how to end the conflict in Ukraine. As the first American pope, Leo’s criticism of the Trump administration’s approach carries unique weight, reflecting both a religious leader’s perspective on peace and an American’s concern about the direction of his country’s foreign policy.
Previously, Pope Leo condemned Trump’s kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, criticizing a growing “enthusiasm for war” among political leaders and expressing “deep concern” for the Venezuelan people.
On January 21, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin revealed that Pope Leo XIV is considering an invitation from President Trump to join his “Board of Peace,” an international body chaired by Trump to oversee the governance and reconstruction of Gaza.
On February 1, Pope Leo XIV publicly voiced his concerns over Trump’s escalating tensions with Cuba, labeling the situation as “greatly troubling.” The American-born pope wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I have received the greatly troubling news regarding an increase in tensions between Cuba and the United States of America, two neighboring countries.” He echoed the message of the Cuban bishops, calling for “sincere and effective dialogue.” This came as Trump focused his attention on the communist Caribbean nation, reportedly using his Venezuela actions as a model for Cuba.
