Pope ready to host Ukraine peace talks in Italy
According to webangah News Agency, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Tuesday that Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the world’s Catholics, confirmed his willingness to host the next round of negotiations aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine during a phone call with her.
Meloni said: “italy deeply appreciates Pope Leo XIV for his unwavering commitment to peace and applauds his confirmation of readiness to host upcoming negotiations in the Vatican.”
Following Monday’s phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Italian Prime Minister’s office reported that Meloni welcomed Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo’s interest in mediating talks between Kyiv and Moscow. However, the Vatican did not immediately confirm such an offer.
Pope Leo, elected two weeks ago as the first American-born leader of the global Catholic Church, stated in his May 14 speech – without directly referencing Russia’s war on Ukraine – that the Vatican could play a mediating role in international conflicts.
In a separate statement,Italy’s prime minister also announced consultations with other European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding next steps toward achieving peace.
The statement noted: “It was agreed that close coordination among partners would be maintained to prepare for a new round of negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire and reaching a peace agreement for Ukraine.”
