Vatican Offers to Host Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Vatican city: The Vatican has been offered as a venue for potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, stated Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the announcement follows a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where the Pope expressed his openness to facilitate negotiations by welcoming representatives from both nations.

The Vatican statement, released after the meeting, highlighted the Pontiff’s discussions with President Zelensky regarding the ongoing conflict and the pressing need for a just and lasting peace. Both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue as the primary means to end hostilities. Pope Leo XIV also expressed his sorrow for the conflict’s victims, reiterating his prayers and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He further encouraged efforts towards the release of prisoners and the pursuit of mutually agreeable solutions.