US President Donald Trump has proposed the Vatican as the venue for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with Pope Leo XIV as host. This suggestion followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Trump announced that both nations would commence negotiations towards a ceasefire, although no immediate agreement was reached. The Vatican, under Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost and the first American-born pope, has expressed interest in facilitating the discussions, marking a potential significant diplomatic role for the pontiff. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo to discuss the possibility, noting that while the Vatican is a neutral venue acceptable to both parties, the Pope may not serve as a direct negotiator.
Pope Leo XIV’s involvement would be his first major diplomatic engagement since assuming the papacy. Prior to his rise, he had condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as imperialist in a 2022 interview. The Vatican had previously offered to facilitate peace talks under Pope Francis, but no negotiations had taken place for three years until recent discussions in Istanbul, which ended without significant progress. Hosting the talks at the Vatican could position Pope Leo XIV as a mediator in the ongoing conflict, reflecting the Holy See’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace.
