Pope Leo XIV has announced his willingness to facilitate further discussions between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican, as confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni revealed that during their phone conversation on May 20, the pontiff reiterated his offer to host Ukraine peace negotiations at the Holy See. She extended her "sincere appreciation to Leo XIV for his steadfast dedication to fostering peace."
This follows an earlier proposal by the Pope to provide the Vatican as a neutral location for Russian-Ukrainian dialogue, though he clarified he would not serve as a mediator.
On May 19, U.S. President Donald Trump, after speaking with Vladimir Putin, separately mentioned the Pope’s expressed interest in supporting negotiations.
Leo XIV, elected on May 8 during the conclave, addressed the Ukraine crisis in his inaugural Sunday sermon, stating: "My heart aches for the suffering of the cherished Ukrainian people. Every effort must be made to secure a genuine, fair, and enduring peace without delay."