Pope Leo tells Ukraine's Zelenskyy that Vatican could host peace talks

Reuters

Pope Leo has expressed the Vatican’s readiness to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement released by the Holy See on Wednesday (July 9). The offer came during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The two leaders met in Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque hill town near Rome where the pope is currently spending a two-week retreat. Their discussions focused on what the Vatican described as “the urgent need for a just and lasting peace” amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy is visiting Italy to participate in a major international conference on Ukraine’s recovery and post-war reconstruction, scheduled for July 10–11.

While the Vatican did not disclose the duration of the meeting, footage released showed Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, warmly greeting the Ukrainian leader with the question, “How are things going?” as they sat together for talks.

Pope Leo has made global peace efforts a cornerstone of his early papacy, frequently calling for dialogue and reconciliation in conflict zones, including Ukraine. Their previous meeting took place at the Vatican on May 18.

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