In a significant development amid ongoing international efforts to end the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pope Leo XIV has offered to host peace negotiations between the two countries at the Vatican.
The gesture has drawn widespread approval from Western powers, including the United States and key European nations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed on Monday that the offer was warmly received during a recent high-level call between U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders, and herself, following President Trump’s private conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The availability of the Holy Father to welcome the talks at the Vatican was judged positively,” Meloni said in a statement issued after the diplomatic consultations.
