(2Co 13:11) For the rest, brethren, rejoice, be perfect, take exhortation, be of one mind, have peace. And the God of grace and of love shall be with you.
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has suggested that the Vatican could host high-level negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, as Istanbul talks were watered down following Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to come face to face with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin's statement on Friday, the supreme pontiff plans to "if necessary, provide the Vatican, the Holy See, as a direct meeting (place) between the two sides."
Parolin has also expressed his disappointment with the talks in Turkey, which took place on Friday.
"It's all tragic because we hoped that a process would begin, perhaps slowly, but with a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Instead, we are back to square one."
"Now we will see what to do, but the situation is very difficult, dramatic," Parolin added.
Since his appointment, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly voiced his solidarity with Ukraine. During his first Sunday Angelus blessing and again this week while addressing pilgrims from Eastern Rite churches, he renewed his appeal for an end to the conflict.
“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” the pontiff said on Sunday. “Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all the prisoners be freed, and may the children return to their families.” Parolin said on Thursday that it remained “premature” to consider a papal visit to Kyiv, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raising the possibility in his first phone call with the pope earlier this week.
While the Vatican traditionally maintains diplomatic neutrality, Pope Leo XIV has pledged to make “every effort” to foster dialogue to end wars. “The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another, so that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace,” he said on Wednesday.
Pope Leo XIV has offered the Vatican as neutral ground for Russia-Ukraine peace talks—and for once, world leaders seem to agree.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the proposal was welcomed by Zelensky, Macron, Merz, and Trump, following a call between the U.S. and Russian presidents.
Meloni: “Work is underway to immediately start negotiations between the parties that can lead to a ceasefire as soon as possible and build the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
In this regard, the Holy Father’s willingness to host the talks at the Vatican was considered positive. Italy is ready to do its part to facilitate contacts and work for peace.”
The Vatican, better known for diplomacy than diplomacy-by-drone, may now host one of the most consequential conversations of the 21st century.
23. A brother said to a hermit, 'If I see a monk about whom I have heard that he is guilty of a sin, I cannot make myself invite him into my cell. But if I see a good monk, I bring him in gladly.' The hermit said, 'If you do good to a good brother it is nothing to him, but to the other give double charity, for he is sick.'