Pope Leo Calls on European Leaders to Compromise for Peace in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV urged European leaders on Monday to "sacrifice certain positions" concerning the war in Ukraine to achieve peace, marking his most significant political statement on Europe to date. Concluding a four-year tour of France with a speech delivered in French, the US-born Pope highlighted the devastating impact and "senseless slaughter" resulting from the return of conflict in Europe following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"We need to commit ourselves to patient dialogue, to show courage in negotiation and to be willing to give up some positions for the greater good of peace," Pope Leo stated, adding that the pursuit of peace must not be mistaken for naive pacifism.

Standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron—who recently approved a €6.5 billion ($7.4 billion) increase in the defense budget over the next two years—Pope Leo cautioned against the continent's rearmament. European nations, including France, have heavily supported Ukraine's war effort amid ongoing fears of further Russian aggression.

Without explicitly naming Ukraine, Pope Leo remarked, "Today we must ask whether we are truly making creative efforts to advance world peace, or whether we are simply seeking to stem the tide of war and better prepare ourselves for wars that we assume are still to come."

Neither Russia nor Ukraine has demonstrated a readiness to cede territory after four years of conflict, leaving discussions at a standstill despite recent meetings in New York between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.

Mr Macron, who joined Pope Leo in Metz for the final Mass of the tour, expressed gratitude to the head of the Catholic Church for providing France with a rare moment of unity amid intense political polarization ahead of the upcoming presidential election. "You sensed, I hope, a fervent, united and happy nation. I thank you immensely for that," Mr Macron said.

Addressing the contentious issue of migration, Pope Leo emphasized the historical significance of the encounter between diverse peoples and cultures. "To welcome a person means to integrate them as if they were part of one's own family," he noted.

Pope Leo also stressed the importance of championing international law and multilateralism in Europe. Warning that relations between states are becoming increasingly uncivilized amidst widespread deceit, he suggested that Europe can combat this trend through mutual respect.

The speech in Metz, a historic symbol of Franco-German reconciliation, drew a limited number of European leaders despite invitations being extended to all EU 27 heads of state. Attendees included Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Grand Duc Guillaume V of Luxembourg, Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg, and Anke Rehlinger, minister-president of the German state of Saarland.