Pope Leo XIV urges European leaders to be willing to make concessions to help end Russia–Ukraine war — but doesn’t say what should be conceded

Pope Leo XIV has called on European leaders to be prepared to make concessions in order to end Russia's war against Ukraine. During a visit to France, the pope urged negotiators to be courageous and to be willing to give up some positions for the greater good of peace. He drew a parallel to his predecessor Benedict XV's call for peace during World War I. Pope Leo XIV cautioned against building up defense capabilities, stating that rearmament is not the solution.

He urged leaders to reflect on whether they truly desire peace or are merely preparing for future conflicts. Upon returning to Rome, the pope again called for talks between Russia and Ukraine, criticizing those who discuss nuclear weapons and increasingly destructive wars. The pope has consistently advocated for an end to the war, calling for the release of prisoners of war and the return of children from Ukraine to their families.

In the past, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were suspended after the United States, which had been mediating, went to war with Iran. Both sides have recently shown a renewed interest in resuming talks, but Russia insists that negotiations cannot continue while the fighting persists.