In remarks to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo says the historical alliance between Europe and the United States may “unfortunately” be changing and confirms the Holy See is working behind the scenes to bring Ukrainian children deported to Russia back home.
Vatican News
Commenting on what he has seen of the U.S. President’s peace plan for Ukraine, Pope Leo said it appears that “unfortunately” what was for many years a “true” alliance between Europe and the United States could undergo a huge change.
Speaking to journalists in Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome, on Tuesday evening, the Pope responded to questions put to him by journalists on different issues, including the ongoing peace proposal for the Russia/Ukraine war put forward by U.S. mediators.
A shift in the alliance between U.S. and Europe
Commenting on the same day he had met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy whom he received at Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope declined to comment on the peace plan proposed by the Trump administration but said “Unfortunately, I believe that some aspects of what I have seen would bring about a huge change in what has, for many, many years, been a true alliance between Europe and the United States.”
He noted that “remarks that are made about Europe, also in interviews recently, I think, are trying to break apart what I think needs to be a very important alliance today and in the future.”
Pointing out that the U.S President and his advisers have a right to put together a proposal, he said he thinks “it has a number of things in it that (…) perhaps many people in the United States would be in agreement, [while] I think many others would see things in a different way.”
Asked about the role of the Holy See in bringing back abducted children from Ukraine, the Pope confirmed he had discussed that issue with the Ukrainian leader.
“Most of the work that’s going on, which is very slow, unfortunately, but is done, if you will, behind the scenes,” he said. And he affirmed that the Holy See continues to work on that: “to try and get those children back to their homes, to their families.”
The Holy See Available for Negotiations
In answers to Italian-speaking journalists, Pope Leo confirmed that “the Holy See is available to provide space and opportunities for talks and negotiations,” adding that “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.”
Regarding Ukrainian President Zelensky’s renewed invitation to visit Ukraine—described by the President today on X as “a strong signal of support for the population”, the Pope responded: “I hope so, though I don’t know when. One must also be realistic in these matters; perhaps it will be possible.”
The importance of Europe’s role
On the role of Europe in the peace process, that has been put into doubt by President Trump, the Pope recalled that he had already addressed this issue on the return flight from Beirut to Rome during his recent apostolic journey.
“I believe Europe’s role is very important, and the unity of European countries is truly significant, especially in this case,” he said.
“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.”
“Unfortunately,” he added, “not everyone understands this, but I believe there is a great opportunity for the idea of Europe to come together and seek solutions collectively.”
Visit to the “Blue Mosque” in Istanbul
Reflecting on his travels to Türkiye and Lebanon, Pope Leo described his visit to the Blue Mosque as experienced “in silence, in a spirit of recollection and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those gathered there in prayer,” as reported by the Holy See Press Office at the time.
To the question about why he had not prayed as “visibly” as his predecessors had, he said: “Who said I didn’t pray? They said I didn’t, but I already explained on the plane—I mentioned a book (‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ by Brother Lawrence)—and perhaps I am praying even now,” he replied.
The Pope added that his preferred place of prayer was “in a Catholic Church in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament,” describing reports about that particular moment in the mosque as “curious.”
Move to the Apostolic Palace
Finally, addressing a more personal question about moving to the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Pope noted that he currently resides in his apartment at the Palace of the Holy Office. Asked when he will make the move to the papal apartment and with whom, he replied: “There is no date yet; I am comfortable where I am, in the Holy Office.”
