Pope opens doors for Ukraine-Russia negotiations in Vatican showdown

Pope Leo XIV conveyed his willingness to host representatives from Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican during a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, May 20.

“Finding in the Holy Father confirmation of the readiness to host the next talks between the parties in the Vatican, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude (to) Pope Leo XIV for his unceasing commitment to peace,” the Italian government statement said.

Following a phone call on May 19 between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Giorgia Meloni’s office said she welcomed Trump’s remarks that Pope Leo XVII had expressed interest in hosting negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. However, the Vatican did not confirm such a proposal at that time.

In a separate statement, Meloni added that she also held talks with other European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the next steps.

“It was agreed to maintain close coordination between the partners with a view to a new round of negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine,” the Italian Prime Minister’s office said.

On the talks and the pope’s statements

On May 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after an audience with Pope Leo XIV, announced the Vatican’s readiness to serve as a venue for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia aimed at achieving a just peace.

On the same day, Pope Leo XIV was officially enthroned as the head of the Catholic Church. The ceremony took place in the Vatican and was attended by more than 250,000 people, including representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations.

During the mass, Pope Leo XIV mentioned Ukraine and highlighted the upcoming peace negotiations for the country. Reports also indicated that lists of Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russia were handed over to the Pope earlier.

This meeting between Zelenskyy and Leo XIV came just two days after talks between Ukraine and Russia were held in Istanbul, Türkiye. On May 16, Moscow rejected a ceasefire, but delegations from both countries agreed on a prisoner exchange deal on a 1,000 for 1,000 basis.

Additionally, on May 19, President Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine is discussing with partners the possibility of new negotiations with Russia, with Türkiye, the Vatican, or Switzerland being considered as potential venues.