Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that Pope Leo XIV confirmed the Vatican’s readiness to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The confirmation followed a series of high-level phone calls involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders.
According to a statement from Meloni’s office, her discussion with the Pope came after she was asked by international counterparts to confirm the Holy See’s willingness to act as a neutral venue for dialogue.
“Following President Trump’s call with President Putin, I held coordinated discussions with leaders including President Zelensky, President Macron, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Stubb, and Commission President von der Leyen. All positively received the idea of the Vatican hosting the talks,” Meloni stated.
The Vatican reiterated its ongoing commitment to peace, with Pope Leo XIV declaring, “The Holy See is available to ensure that enemies may look each other in the eye and rediscover the hope and dignity of peace.”
Talks are expected to focus on a ceasefire and pathway to a broader peace agreement, as war in Ukraine enters a critical phase.
