Pope Leo XIV has insisted that Europe must play a role in any future Ukraine peace deal, while also criticizing the Trump administration for its past efforts to “break apart” the long-standing U.S.-European alliance.

Leo made the comments to reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently on a tour to rally European support for Kyiv. The American pontiff confirmed that their discussions covered the urgent need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

Addressing questions about a U.S. peace proposal that appears to sideline European powers, Pope Leo, speaking from his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, underscored Europe’s crucial involvement.

“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” he stated. “Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.”

Zelensky has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners. (VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag)

Zelensky has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners, a framework document of 20 points, a second document with security guarantees, and a third document about Ukraine’s recovery.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine but appeared to respond to a broader question about the Trump administration’s views on the U.S.-Europe alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration released its U.S. national security strategy, which questions the U.S.-European alliance and stresses a desire to improve U.S.-Russia relations.

Leo said what he had read would “make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States.” Additionally, some comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest an effort “trying to break apart what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.”

While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, “I think many others would see things in a different way,” Leo said.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in Russia’s war while offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it calls the “martyred” people of Ukraine. Leo has met now three times with Zelensky and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some returned children at the Vatican.