world

WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Barack Obama has publicly expressed his desire to meet Pope Leo XIV, highlighting a shared connection to the city of Chicago. The sentiment was revealed during a recent YouTube interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, where Obama discussed a range of topics, including his hopes for future engagements with global leaders.

Responding to a question about who he most wanted to meet, Obama stated, “I hope I get an opportunity sometime in the future” to meet the Pope, according to reports from OSV News and America Magazine. The former president emphasized a personal connection, noting that Pope Leo, like himself, is a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox and grew up in the city’s south suburbs. This shared affinity for both the team and the region appears to be a key factor in Obama’s expressed interest.

Obama’s connection to Chicago runs deep. After college, he spent time in the city, and later taught at the University of Chicago Law School, located on the South Side – the same area where the White Sox play. He has continued to champion the city, notably establishing his presidential library there. Pope Leo’s upbringing in the southern suburbs further solidifies this shared geographical and cultural bond. A papal portrait now adorns a wall at Guaranteed Rate Field, the White Sox ballpark, and seat markers commemorate the section where the future Pope sat during Game One of the 2005 World Series, a year the team won the championship.

Obama Reflects on Past Interactions with Pope Francis

The former president also reflected on his previous interactions with Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 88. Obama described his experience with Pope Francis as positive, stating he was “legit” and that the Pope “walked the walk,” embodying the values he preached. He expressed a similar hope for his potential meeting with Pope Leo, believing the new pontiff is “cut from that cloth,” someone dedicated to helping those in require. According to Obama, Pope Leo’s previous work as a priest and bishop involved actively assisting people, rather than simply delivering sermons.

This sentiment suggests Obama is seeking engagement with religious leaders who demonstrate a commitment to practical action and social justice. He noted that Pope Leo’s ministry “wasn’t just preaching from the pulpit but getting his hands dirty, trying to help people.”

Geopolitical Context and the Papacy

The papacy holds significant geopolitical influence, serving as the spiritual head of the Catholic Church, a global institution with over 1.3 billion adherents worldwide. Pope Leo XIV’s leadership comes at a time of complex global challenges, including ongoing conflicts, migration crises, and increasing economic inequality. The Vatican’s diplomatic efforts often play a crucial role in mediating disputes and advocating for humanitarian concerns.

The election of Pope Leo XIV in 2026 followed the death of Pope Francis, who was widely respected for his progressive stances on social issues and his efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy. Pope Leo’s background and priorities will likely shape the Church’s approach to these challenges in the coming years.

Cohen, the interviewer, indicated that a meeting between Obama and Pope Leo is likely feasible. The potential for this meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between political and religious leaders, and the importance of finding common ground on issues of global concern.

As of February 18, 2026, no date has been set for a meeting between Obama and Pope Leo XIV. However, the expressed desire from both sides suggests that such an encounter could occur in the near future. The Vatican has not yet released a statement regarding the potential meeting. The international community will be watching to see how Pope Leo XIV navigates the challenges facing the Catholic Church and the world at large.

What are your thoughts on the potential meeting between Obama and Pope Leo XIV? Share your comments below.

As negotiations surrounding the conflict in Ukraine continue, a former senior British diplomat, Ian Proud, suggests a notable asymmetry exists in the pressure being applied by the United States to the warring parties. Proud contends that Moscow appears to be facing less direct pressure from Washington than Kyiv, a dynamic he attributes to a complex interplay of geopolitical factors and strategic calculations. This assessment comes as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, and international efforts to find a diplomatic resolution remain ongoing.

The situation is further complicated by the shifting political landscape, including the upcoming US presidential election. The potential for a change in administration adds another layer of uncertainty to the negotiations, as different leaders may adopt varying approaches to the conflict. According to reports, the Biden administration has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing substantial military and financial aid, while simultaneously imposing sanctions on Russia. However, Proud’s analysis points to a perceived reluctance from the US to exert similar levels of constraint on Moscow’s actions.

US Strategy and the Perception of Asymmetry

Proud’s observations center on the idea that the US may be prioritizing de-escalation and avoiding a direct confrontation with Russia, even if it means placing greater expectations on Ukraine. This approach, he argues, stems from a broader concern about the potential for the conflict to escalate into a wider geopolitical crisis. The US has repeatedly stated its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but has also emphasized the importance of avoiding a direct military clash with Russia, a nuclear power. This balancing act, Proud suggests, contributes to the perception of unequal pressure.

The dynamic is also influenced by Russia’s position as a major energy supplier to Europe. While sanctions have been imposed, the reliance of many European nations on Russian gas and oil has limited the scope and severity of those measures. According to the Al Arabiya English, the long-term relationship between France and India also plays a role in the geopolitical landscape, influencing international responses to the conflict.

Russia’s Position and the Ongoing Talks

Russia, meanwhile, has entered into peace talks from what it describes as a “position of strength.” Военное дело reports that Moscow believes it has achieved significant military gains and is now seeking to consolidate its control over key territories. The specifics of these talks remain largely undisclosed, but reports suggest that Russia is demanding guarantees regarding Ukraine’s neutrality and the recognition of its territorial claims.

The situation is further complicated by domestic political considerations in both the US and Russia. TRT World highlights how both Trump and Putin are leaving the world guessing about their future intentions, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict. The upcoming US election, in particular, introduces a significant variable, as a change in administration could lead to a shift in US policy towards Ukraine and Russia.

European Perspectives and the Path Forward

Some observers suggest that certain European leaders may be “desperate for the war in Ukraine to continue,” as reported by Eurasia Review. This perspective argues that some European nations may spot a prolonged conflict as a way to weaken Russia and reduce its influence in the region. However, this view is not universally shared, and many European leaders are actively seeking a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The imposition of sanctions on Russia, coupled with the provision of military aid to Ukraine, reflects a multifaceted approach by the international community. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate. Responsible Statecraft discusses the impact of Russia sanctions and modern weapons developments, alongside the political dynamics surrounding former President Trump. The ongoing conflict has significant implications for regional security and the broader international order, and a lasting resolution will require sustained diplomatic efforts and a willingness from all parties to compromise.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of the conflict will likely depend on a number of factors, including the outcome of the peace talks, the level of international support for Ukraine, and the internal political dynamics in both Russia and the US. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, and the potential for escalation remains a concern. Continued diplomatic engagement and a commitment to de-escalation will be crucial in preventing a further deterioration of the situation.

What are your thoughts on the role of international diplomacy in resolving the Ukraine conflict? Share your perspectives in the comments below.