Pope Francis has warned that excluding European partners from Ukraine peace negotiations risks undermining the longstanding transatlantic alliance between the United States and Europe. The Vatican emphasized that since the conflict occurs on European soil, European nations must participate in peace talks to ensure legitimacy and durability of any settlement. Recent U.S. statements have raised concerns about potential fractures in EU-U.S. relations, with the Pope stressing that European involvement, including security guarantees for Ukraine, remains essential for stability. The Holy See continues supporting dialogue through diplomatic channels, with further details emerging about ongoing mediation efforts.
Pope Francis has warned that attempts to negotiate peace in Ukraine without including European partners risk undermining the longstanding transatlantic alliance, remarks he made following a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Castel Gandolfo on Vatican grounds. The Pope’s emphasis on inclusion echoes the biblical idea of marriage as a covenant, highlighting the importance of mutual commitment in alliances.
The Pope said parts of the Trump administration’s plan “make a huge change” in what has been “a true alliance between the EU and U.S.” He described recent U.S. statements about Europe as “trying to break apart” the alliance and stressed the continued importance of European unity in providing security guarantees for the continent’s future.
Pope Francis warns Trump administration’s approach risks fracturing the longstanding transatlantic alliance between the European Union and United States.
Francis asserted that “trying to reach a peace agreement without including Europe” is unrealistic because hostilities are unfolding on European soil. He argued that Europe must be part of present and future security guarantees for Ukraine, warning that sidelining European partners could weaken the transatlantic security architecture and reduce the legitimacy and durability of any settlement.
Vatican News reported that the Pope emphasized the war is in Europe, making European involvement essential. He urged inclusion of Europe in negotiations to avoid undermining alliance cohesion, noting that some elements of the plan could produce “significant changes” to transatlantic relations. The Pope believes there is a significant opportunity for European countries to collaborate in the peace process.
During the meeting with Zelensky, the Pope raised urgent humanitarian priorities, particularly the return of Ukrainian children to their families and efforts to secure release of prisoners of war. A Vatican statement reiterated the Holy See’s support for “continuation of dialogue” and pursuit of a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine. Zelensky informed the Pope about diplomatic efforts with the U.S. regarding peace.
While acknowledging that the U.S. president and advisers have a right to formulate proposals, the Pope noted that not all Americans necessarily agree with the approaches outlined in Trump’s plan. He framed the Holy See as willing to provide a diplomatic platform for negotiation, avoiding detailed policy prescriptions and focusing instead on diplomatic engagement and mediation readiness.
The Vatican signaled continued involvement in humanitarian mediation via Special Envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, framing the pursuit of just and lasting peace as inseparable from protecting civilians and addressing war harms.
