Italian PM says Pope willing to host next round of Ukraine-Russia talks in the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV has offered the Vatican as a venue for future ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement released Tuesday.

According to Meloni, the Pope confirmed his offer during their phone call prior to her announcement, which came after US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that the Vatican was open to mediating talks.

“Having received confirmation from the Holy Father of the readiness to welcome the next round of talks between the parties in the Vatican, [Meloni] expressed her deep gratitude for Pope Leo XIV’s openness and for his tireless commitment to peace,” the statement read.

On Monday, following his two-hour call with Vladimir Putin, Trump posted on Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire”, with the Vatican as a potential location.

Last Friday, the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin also confirmed the Holy See’s willingness to facilitate negotiations, though he emphasised that the Pope was not prepared to serve as an active mediator.

Following his election by conclave on 8 May, Pope Leo made a strong appeal for peace in Ukraine during his first Sunday address on 11 May.

“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible,” he said.