Pope Leo XIV said this week President Donald Trump’s plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine threatens to break apart the alliance between Europe and the United States. Source: CNA.
Asked by reporters on Tuesday to comment on the initiative’s fairness, the Pope said, “I would rather not comment on that. I haven’t read the whole thing. Unfortunately, some parts I have seen make a huge change in what was for many years a true alliance between the EU and US”.
The Pope commented to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.
“The remarks [by Trump] that were made about Europe recently are, I think, trying to break apart what I think is an important alliance today and in the future. It’s a program that President Trump and his advisers put together, and he’s the president of the US. And he has a right to do that,” Pope Leo said.
The Pope called for continued dialogue to seek a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine during the meeting with Mr Zelenskyy, according to the Vatican.
The pair also discussed the question of prisoners of war and the urgent need to assure the return of Ukrainian children to their families.
The Pope said that progress on the repatriation of abducted Ukrainian children was “very slow, unfortunately”, but he declined to comment further on the matter.
The Vatican has mediated between Kyiv and Moscow on the issue of the children’s return.
In a statement published by the Vatican after the meeting at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope “reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.”
FULL STORY
Pope says Trump Ukraine plan would weaken US alliance with Europe (CNA)
