Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Pope Leo XIV Offers Vatican as Venue for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

The pontiff’s proposal follows the collapse of Istanbul negotiations and ongoing international coordination to restart dialogue.

Image
Image
Image
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 19: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY - NO MERCHANDISING). Pope Leo XIV meets with US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, on May 19, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Vatican Media/Vatican Pool - Corbis/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV has formally offered the Vatican as a neutral venue for renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
  • The proposal comes after the Istanbul talks failed on May 16, as both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not attend, derailing direct negotiations.
  • The Holy See has emphasized its readiness to mediate, with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reiterating the Pope's commitment to facilitating dialogue.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy presented Pope Leo with a religious icon made from war materials, symbolizing the humanitarian stakes and support for peace efforts.
  • Global diplomatic efforts continue, with leaders including Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni, and European officials aligning strategies to advance negotiations.