In a significant diplomatic intervention, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the indispensable role of European nations in any potential resolution to the Ukraine conflict during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday. The American pontiff, speaking from his Castel Gandolfo retreat, articulated strong concerns about the current U.S. administration’s apparent distancing from traditional transatlantic partnerships.
The Holy Father’s remarks came amid President Zelenskyy’s ongoing European tour to consolidate international support for Kyiv. Their discussions centered on two critical issues: the urgent necessity for an immediate ceasefire and the Vatican’s humanitarian efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children displaced by Russian authorities.
When questioned about Washington’s peace proposal that seemingly marginalizes European powers, Pope Leo presented a compelling geopolitical argument: ‘Pursuing a peace agreement while excluding European participation proves fundamentally unrealistic, particularly when the conflict resides within European territory. Both current and future security guarantees necessitate European involvement—a principle not universally acknowledged but representing a tremendous opportunity for continental leadership unification.’
Addressing the Trump administration’s recently published national security strategy, which explicitly questions the U.S.-European alliance while advocating improved relations with Russia, the pontiff expressed profound concern. He characterized these developments as potentially ‘drastically altering a longstanding, genuine transatlantic partnership’ and criticized apparent efforts to ‘fragment what must remain a vital alliance for contemporary and future global stability.’
Despite these geopolitical tensions, the Vatican maintains its carefully calibrated position of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This balanced approach combines diplomatic engagement with both nations—including multiple meetings with Zelenskyy and telephone communications with President Putin—with concrete humanitarian action. The Holy See has particularly focused on facilitating the return of abducted Ukrainian children, with Pope Leo recently welcoming several repatriated children at the Vatican in a symbolic demonstration of this commitment.