Pope Leo urges concessions to end war in Ukraine

The pontiff addressed challenges facing Europe in a speech near the French-German border.

Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Pope Leo XIV and Emmanuel Macron shake hands at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre in Metz, France, on Sept. 28, 2026. | Pool photo by Benoit Tessier via AFP/Getty Images September 28, 2026 2:26 pm CET By Clea Caulcutt and Hannah Roberts Pope Leo XIV encouraged compromise and urged warring parties to make concessions to secure peace in Ukraine during a closely watched speech about Europe in France.

“Sadly, war has returned, even to Europe,” the pope said in the eastern city of Metz. “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.”