From peace in Ukraine and US immigration policies to terrorism in Nigeria, his potential travels in 2026, and his time at Castel Gandolfo, international and personal topics were at the heart of the conversation this evening, November 18, between Pope Leo XIV and a group of journalists from various languages ​​and media outlets gathered in the Lazio town, where the Pontiff returned last night for his weekly day of rest.

Peace in Ukraine

Upon leaving the Villa Barberini residence, greeted by applause and chants from the crowd gathered in the street, the Pope, as is his custom, answered journalists’ questions, beginning with one concerning Ukraine, still suffering from intense Russian bombing. On the eve of the attempt to resume negotiations in Turkey, the Pope was asked about the possibility of ceding territory to Russia to end the war. This scenario was recently raised by US President Donald Trump as well. “That’s for them to decide; the Ukrainian Constitution is very clear,” stated Leo XIV. “The problem is that there is no ceasefire, they can’t reach any point where they can talk and see how to resolve this problem… Unfortunately, people are dying every day. I believe we must insist on peace, starting with this ceasefire and then engaging in dialogue.”

Measures against migrants in the United States

The Pope also commented on the November 13 statement by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on migrants and asylum seekers, released from Baltimore, where the plenary session of the USCCB was held. For the first time in years, the American bishops published a pastoral letter saying “no” to mass deportations, expressing their concern about the situation in the country and reiterating that national security and the protection of human dignity are not incompatible. In this regard, the Pope expressed his appreciation for the bishops’ statement, calling it “very important.” “I would like to invite, above all, all Catholics, but also people of good will, to listen carefully to what they have said. I believe we must seek ways to treat people with humanity, treating them with the dignity they possess.”

“If someone is in the United States illegally, there are ways to address this. There are courts. There is a judicial system. I think there are many problems with the system. No one has said that the United States should have open borders,” the Pope emphasized. “I believe that every country has the right to determine who enters, how, and when.” However, he added, “when people are living good lives, and many of them have been here for 10, 15, or 20 years… to treat them in a way that is, at the very least, extremely disrespectful, and there have been some cases of violence.” “The bishops have been very clear in what they have said. I just want to invite all Americans to listen to them,” Pope Leo XIII stated.

The persecutions in Nigeria

The Pope then turned his attention to Africa, and in particular to Nigeria—a country also mentioned in his Angelus appeals last Sunday—and the powerful wave of hatred and violence affecting Christians and not only them: “I believe that in Nigeria and elsewhere there is undoubtedly a danger to Christians, but to everyone; Christians and Muslims have been massacred. The issue of terrorism is related to the economics of war for control of the lands they possess. Sadly, many Christians have died, and I believe it is very important to find ways for the government and all peoples to promote genuine religious freedom.”

Trips

The Pope was also asked about a possible trip to “his” Latin America, starting with Peru, where he was a missionary for over twenty years. “During the Jubilee Year, we’re continuing with our daily activities, and next year we’ll plan something.” “I’ve always loved to travel,” added Pope Leo, “the problem is planning it with all my commitments.” In any case, the possible destinations he mentioned could be Fatima, Guadalupe in Mexico, and then Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, “of course.”

Days in Castel Gandolfo

The Pope also addressed the curiosity of journalists and the public by explaining how he spends Tuesdays at Castel Gandolfo: “A little exercise, a little reading, a little work—every day there are letters, phone calls, certain matters that are perhaps more important, more urgent—a little tennis, a little swimming.” And regarding why he needs this “break” from the weekly routine, he replied: “I believe that human beings should take good care of themselves. Everyone should do some activity for both body and soul. It works very well for me.” It is “a pause,” the Pontiff affirmed, “that helps a great deal.”

The case of the Bishop of Cádiz

The day after his audience with the Spanish Episcopal Conference, the Pope was asked about the case of Rafael Zornoza, Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta, accused of sexual abuse in the 1990s. “Each case has a series of clearly established protocols,” he said. Regarding Zornoza’s specific case, “the bishop himself has had to respond and insists on his innocence. An investigation has been opened, and we must let it run its course. Depending on the results, there will be consequences.” Addressing the victims, the Pope expressed his hope that “they will find a safe place where they can speak, where they can present their cases.” He added, “It is also important to respect processes that take time, but we have already spoken about the need to follow the steps indicated by the judicial system, in this case, by the Church.”