Pope Leo XIV plans a visit to Kyiv: what hinders the trip.

According to ТСН: Pope Leo confirmed his intention to visit Kyiv, where the war has been ongoing for almost four years. The Vatican has announced its readiness for the visit plan, but its implementation is being hindered by security concerns.

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Pope reiterated his intention to come to Kyiv. The Vatican emphasized that organizational issues have already been addressed, but security remains the main obstacle to the trip.

“I hope so (the visit to Ukraine will take place — ed.), but I don't know when, one must be realistic in such matters,” he told reporters.

The Pope urged diplomats to engage in honest and constructive dialogue, emphasizing that true diplomacy is based not on a balance of interests but on the restoration of justice and peace. He noted the importance of being able to “understand the words that heal and build understanding.”

The Holy See constantly monitors conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Pope pointed out that while “quiet weapons” may seem abstract, the need for peace for the Ukrainian people increases daily.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the head of the Vatican's diplomacy, emphasized that the international community must show compassion for the victims of war and seek paths to reconciliation even in the most challenging situations. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added that relations between Italy and the Vatican remain “very positive and long-standing.”

The Pope also commented on statements made by US President Donald Trump regarding the state of Europe and its leaders, noting that such rhetoric could have potentially destructive consequences for the long-term cooperation between Europe and the United States.

However, the Pope refrained from making a direct assessment of the American “peace plan” regarding Ukraine, stating that it is Trump's initiative and that he has the right to propose such programs. Leo XIV added that individual points of the program may find support among Americans, while others may be perceived differently.

Thus, the Pope's position was one of cautious observation and a call to consider different views without categorical judgments about the US peace initiative.

The Pope's visit to Ukraine could become an important step in supporting peace in the region, as his presence always carries symbolic meaning. As experience shows, such visits can encourage dialogue and understanding, which are so essential in the context of an ongoing conflict situation. We will monitor further news regarding the visit and its organization.