Pope Leo XIV criticized the Trump administration's approach to ending Russia's war in Ukraine, warning that Washington is "trying to break apart" the transatlantic alliance. The American pontiff spoke to journalists on 9 December after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Castel Gandolfo residence near Rome.
The American-born pope's public rebuke of his own country's policy marks a striking departure from Vatican neutrality. After discussing the need for a ceasefire and the return of abducted Ukrainian children, Leo told reporters that parts of the US peace proposal would "make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States."
Asked about the plan's fairness, he said he would rather not comment directly, but added: "While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, I think many others would see things in a different way."
Pope Leo XIV and Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine war, abducted children
The 30-minute private meeting at Villa Barberini focused on the war in Ukraine, prisoners of war, and the safe return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities, according to the Holy See Press Office. The Pope reiterated his "urgent hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a just and lasting peace."
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope "made an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favor peace," according to America Magazine. The pontiff also praised the work of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, who has been working on prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine "deeply appreciates all the support of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See — the ongoing humanitarian assistance and the readiness to expand humanitarian missions." He thanked the pontiff for "his constant prayers for Ukraine" and "his calls for a just peace."
The Ukrainian president invited Leo to visit Ukraine, saying it "would be a powerful signal of support for our people." Leo responded cautiously:
"I hope so, though I don't know when. One must also be realistic in these matters; perhaps it will be possible."
On the return of abducted Ukrainian children, Leo confirmed the Vatican is actively engaged.
"Most of the work that's going on, which is very slow, unfortunately, but is done, if you will, behind the scenes," he said, adding that the Holy See continues to work "to try and get those children back to their homes, to their families."
Speaking to journalists afterward, Zelenskyy called the issue "a very important question."
Pope says Europe must be part of Ukraine peace deal
Leo emphasized that Europe must be part of any peace settlement, pushing back against the initial US-Russia negotiations that excluded European powers.
"Trying to reach a peace agreement without including Europe in the discussions is not realistic. The war is in Europe, and I believe that Europe must be part of the security guarantees sought today and in the future," he told Vatican News.
Just last week, the Trump administration released a national security strategy that questioned the US-European alliance while stressing improved relations with Russia.
The Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, had earlier defined the Holy See's position on Ukraine. "Our point of departure is the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he told America Magazine in February. "What the Ukrainians may wish to negotiate or what they are prepared to concede is their affair."
This was the third private audience between Zelenskyy and Pope Leo. During their July meeting, also at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope offered to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks at the Vatican—an offer Moscow rejected as "inelegant" for negotiations between Orthodox nations.
Leo confirmed the offer still stands:
"The Holy See is available to provide space and opportunities for talks and negotiations. So far, the offer has not been accepted, but we remain willing to seek a solution and a peace that is both lasting and just."
How Pope Leo XIV differs from Pope Francis on Russia
Leo's direct criticism of US policy contrasts with his predecessor's more ambiguous approach to Russia. Pope Francis in August 2023 told Russian youth they were "descendants of the great Russia of Peter the Great, Catherine II"—rulers Putin has invoked to justify his invasion.
Leo, elected in May 2025, has instead labeled Russia's war "imperialist in nature, aimed at seizing territory for the sake of power."
In November, Leo met with Ukrainian mothers, wives, and teenagers who had been forcibly deported to Russia and subsequently returned, according to InfoVaticana.
The UN General Assembly voted 91-12 on 4 December demanding Russia immediately and unconditionally return all abducted Ukrainian children.
During their meeting, Zelenskyy gifted the Pope a handcrafted Ukrainian nativity scene, InfoVaticana reported. Leo gave the Ukrainian president a bronze artwork depicting children rebuilding a globe, inscribed with "Fratelli tutti"—a reference to the encyclical on fraternity and social friendship.
