Pope Leo urges Europe to 'give up ground' for the sake of peace in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV urged European leaders to make sacrifices in their positions on the war in Ukraine for the sake of peace during his strongest political statement yet on Europe. The US-born Pope delivered his remarks in French as he concluded a four-day tour of France, where he highlighted the devastating impact of the war and the need for patient dialogue and negotiation.

Standing next to French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently approved a defense budget increase, Pope Leo cautioned against rearmament on the continent. He emphasized that promoting peace requires active efforts, not merely preparing for future conflicts. Pope Leo also addressed the issue of migration, urging Europeans to recognize the historical significance of cultural encounters and to welcome people as family members.

He stressed the importance of multilateralism and respect for others in fostering civil relations between individuals and states. The Pope's address was attended by a select group of European leaders, including Prince Albert II of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and German state of Saarland's minister-president Anke Rehlinger.