Pope Leo Urges Europe to Pursue Peace Through Compromise

Pope Leo called on European leaders and negotiators to embrace compromise in the pursuit of peace, warning that continued conflict and military buildup risk deepening instability across the continent.

Speaking Monday in Metz, France, the home of European Union founding figure Robert Schuman, Leo said negotiators must have the courage to surrender some positions for the broader goal of ending war. His remarks came as diplomatic efforts to halt Russia’s war in Ukraine remain stalled.

The first U.S. pope said war had returned to Europe in the form of another “senseless slaughter” that continues to claim civilian lives. Without directly naming Ukraine, Leo stressed the importance of dialogue and negotiation, echoing a peace appeal made by Pope Benedict XV during World War One.

Leo also questioned Europe’s rising defense spending, arguing that rearmament alone cannot provide a lasting solution to geopolitical tensions. European military expenditures have climbed sharply amid concerns over Russia and pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to strengthen defense capabilities.

His comments followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s meeting with Trump in New York last week to discuss possible paths toward ending the war. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and currently controls roughly one-fifth of the country. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv has indicated a willingness to concede territory.

Alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Leo also urged Europe to uphold the rule of law, embrace multiculturalism and improve the integration of migrants. He called for legal and safe migration routes while encouraging stronger international cooperation against human trafficking.

The pope said migrants should be given opportunities to develop their talents and become part of their host communities. His remarks came hours after three migrants, including a child, died while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain.

Leo later celebrated Mass at Metz’s Gothic cathedral, emphasizing that Europe’s strength lies in diversity rather than uniformity and calling on the continent to preserve dialogue, mutual respect and its founding values.