Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Pope Leo XIV Offers Vatican as Venue for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

Following the breakdown of Istanbul negotiations, the pontiff reaffirms his commitment to mediate and advocates for dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaks to the media during a meeting with President of the Conference of Italian Bishops, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and President of the Conference of Italian Bishops, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, pose for a photo at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Image

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV has proposed hosting peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican after failed discussions in Istanbul due to Vladimir Putin's absence.
  • The pope has prioritized peace in Ukraine as a central focus of his new pontificate, emphasizing humanitarian issues like prisoner releases and child reunification.
  • Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, met with the pope, invited him to visit Ukraine, and provided lists of Ukrainian captives held by Russia.
  • Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, described the Istanbul summit's failure as a setback but reiterated the Holy See's readiness to facilitate dialogue.
  • Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass, scheduled for Sunday, will be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the Vatican's ongoing engagement in the conflict.