Pope Leo XIV Criticizes US-Europe Alliance

Pope Pope Leo XVI criticized the Trump administration's efforts to 'break apart' the long-standing U.S.-European alliance and insisted that Europe must play a crucial role in any Ukraine peace deal. Speaking after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XVI highlighted the need for a ceasefire and the Holy See's efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities. He emphasized that seeking a peace agreement without including Europe is unrealistic, given the war's location. The criticism comes after the Trump administration released a national security strategy questioning the U.S.-European alliance and stressing improved U.S.-Russia relations. Pope Leo XVI has met multiple times with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging Russia to make gestures for peace.