President Zelensky's visit highlights renewed efforts for peace in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict
Pope Leo XIV Invites Ukraine and Russia to Peace Talks at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV Invites Ukraine and Russia to Peace Talks at the Vatican
The newly elected pope seeks to mediate dialogue as Zelensky attends inaugural Mass
May 18, 2025, 6:33 a.m. ET – In a significant diplomatic move, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass on Sunday, following the pope’s express commitment to facilitate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Leo, addressing the congregation, reaffirmed his dedication to fostering dialogue, stating, "The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another."
The pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized the Vatican's role as a neutral ground for negotiations, calling it an "appropriate place" for discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present at the Mass alongside Vice President JD Vance, also backed the Vatican's offer, although there has been no response yet from both Russia and Ukraine regarding this proposal.
Zelensky's attendance marks his second recent visit to the Vatican; he was there for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, where he held a private meeting with President Trump. Their encounter was significant as it marked a return to dialogue after a tumultuous prior meeting in February at the Oval Office. Although it's unclear if this Mass would lead to informal discussions about Ukraine, Zelensky highlighted his recent meetings in Rome with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, where they addressed strategies to intensify pressure on Russia.
Recent weeks have seen a bolstered quest for peace in Ukraine, with both parties engaging in direct talks in Turkey and agreeing on a prisoner exchange. In his first Sunday address, Pope Leo XIV articulated a call for a "just and lasting peace," emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations, notably the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia amid the conflict. His proactive stance signals a hopeful shift towards resolving the ongoing crisis.
Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a reporter based in London for the Live team at The Times, dedicated to covering pivotal global developments.
The pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, emphasized the Vatican's role as a neutral ground for negotiations, calling it an "appropriate place" for discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present at the Mass alongside Vice President JD Vance, also backed the Vatican's offer, although there has been no response yet from both Russia and Ukraine regarding this proposal.
Zelensky's attendance marks his second recent visit to the Vatican; he was there for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, where he held a private meeting with President Trump. Their encounter was significant as it marked a return to dialogue after a tumultuous prior meeting in February at the Oval Office. Although it's unclear if this Mass would lead to informal discussions about Ukraine, Zelensky highlighted his recent meetings in Rome with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, where they addressed strategies to intensify pressure on Russia.
Recent weeks have seen a bolstered quest for peace in Ukraine, with both parties engaging in direct talks in Turkey and agreeing on a prisoner exchange. In his first Sunday address, Pope Leo XIV articulated a call for a "just and lasting peace," emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations, notably the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia amid the conflict. His proactive stance signals a hopeful shift towards resolving the ongoing crisis.
Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a reporter based in London for the Live team at The Times, dedicated to covering pivotal global developments.
