Russia, Ukraine war: Pope Leo XIV willing to host peace talks at the Vatican
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says Pope Leo XIV has confirmed during a phone call with her his willingness to host the next round of negotiations to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican.
“Finding in the Holy Father confirmation of the readiness to host the next talks between the parties in the Vatican”, Ms Meloni expressed deep gratitude to Pope Leo for his “unceasing commitment to peace.”
Following a call on Monday between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin, Ms Meloni’s office said she welcomed Mr Trump’s remarks that the Pope had expressed an interest in hosting talks between Kyiv and Moscow. However, the Vatican did not immediately confirm any such offer.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Pope Leo, who was inaugurated on Sunday, is the first US leader of the Catholic Church.
In a May 14 speech, he said the Vatican could act as a mediator in global conflicts, without specifically mentioning of Ukraine and Russia.
In a second, separate statement Ms Meloni said she also had talks with other European leaders and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the next steps.
“It was agreed to maintain close co-ordination between the partners with a view to a new round of negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine,” a statement from Ms Meloni’s office said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities on Tuesday said they have begun evacuating more than 200 locations in the Sumy region near the border with Russia.
So far, 52,000 people have been brought to safety, Sumy’s Military Governor, Oleh Hryhorov, said on Ukrainian television on Tuesday.
He said that this accounts for 60 per cent of the total 86,000 civilians subject to relocation in the settlements.
“We ensure transport, accommodation, as well as humanitarian, financial and psychological assistance,” Mr Hryhorov said.
He did not specify when the relocation is expected to be completed.
The Sumy region has been the site of heavy Russian attacks for months.
