Pope criticizes US bid to ‘break apart’ US-Europe alliance, insists on Europe role in Ukraine peace
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must play a role in any Ukraine peace deal and criticized the Trump administration’s effort to “shred up” the longstanding peace deal. US-European alliance.
Leo spoke to journalists after the meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyon another tour garner support from Europe 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 abducted by Russian authorities.
Leo was asked about the US peace offer and the apparent sidelining of European powers in the process. Speaking as he left his holiday home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted that Europe’s role in any agreement was crucial.
“Given that the war is in Europe, it is unrealistic to make a peace agreement without involving Europe in the talks,” he said. “Guarantees are also sought for security today and in the future. Europe must also be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and look for solutions together.”
Zelenskyy said there are three documents in the peace agreement discussed with the US and European partners, a 20-article framework document, a second document containing security guarantees and a third document on Ukraine’s recovery.
Leo was asked about the US peace plan for Ukraine, but appeared to be answering a broader question about the Trump administration’s views on the US-European alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. national security strategyquestioning the US-European alliance and emphasizing the desire to improve US-Russia relations.
Leo said that what he read “will make a big change in the real alliance between Europe and the United States that has existed for many years.” Additionally, some of US President Donald Trump’s comments suggest an effort to “try to tear apart what I think should be an alliance today and in the future.”
Although some people in the United States have accepted the effort, Leo said, “I think others will look at things from a different perspective.”
The Vatican has tried to remain neutral in Russia’s war while offering solidarity and concrete aid to people whom Ukraine calls “martyrs.” Leo has met with Zelenskyy three times so far and spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin at least once.
The American pope called for a ceasefire and specifically called on Russia to make gestures that would promote peace.
The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russian authorities, and Leo met with some of them last month. He sent the children back to the Vatican.
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