- Leo XIV. warned against Europe’s non-involvement in peace negotiations.
- The Pope received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Castel Gandolfo.
- The American peace plan may disrupt the transatlantic alliance.
- Leo XIV. plans to visit Ukraine in the future.
Pope Leo XIV. warned on Tuesday that seeking peace in Ukraine without Europe’s involvement was “unrealistic” and warned that US President Donald Trump’s plan could cause a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance. It was reported by the AFP agency.
Lev, who received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, admitted to journalists that he had not yet read the entire American proposal for an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. “Unfortunately, some of the parts I’ve seen represent a huge change in what has been a real alliance between Europe and the United States for many, many years,” added the Pope.
“The statements about Europe, even in the recent talks, I think are trying to break what is today and in the future a very important alliance,” stated Leo XIV. AFP reported that US President Donald In his interview with Politico magazine, published on Tuesday, Trump deepened tensions with Europe, calling the continent “weak” and “disintegrating” because of migration and Ukraine.
The AFP agency recalled that Washington and its European allies are increasingly diverging in their view of Trump’s plan to end the war in Ukraine. According to several heads of European states, there is a threat that Kyiv will be required to hand over part of its territories to Russia.
“Trying to reach a peace agreement without involving Europe in the negotiations is, let’s say, unrealistic,” stated Lev. “The war is in Europe and I think that Europe has to be part of the guarantees that we want for security today and in the future. Unfortunately, not everyone understands that,” stated.
When asked if he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, Lev replied: “I hope so.” but he pointed out that it is not yet possible to say when such a journey would be possible.
