Pope Leo XIV said US President Donald Trump's recent remarks about Europe were "trying to break apart what needs to be a very important alliance."

Leo said Europe's role in seeking peace in Ukraine was important.

"The war is in Europe. I think in the guarantees of security that are also being sought today and in the future Europe must be part of them, unfortunately, not everyone understands it this way," he said.

In a recent interview, Trump criticised European leaders as "weak" and suggested the US could scale back support for Ukraine.

Leo spoke to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Castel Gandolfo, his vacation home south of Rome.

The American pope said they discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

He said he would like to accept an invitation from Zelenskyy to Ukraine in the future if possible.