New Pope wants to organize peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

Peace negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia did not take place in Turkey because Russian President Vladimir Putin did not want it. Meanwhile, a new meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin seems to be getting closer. But a lasting solution, or even a temporary ceasefire, has still not materialised. Enter Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican?

The new pope has proposed to organise peace talks between Russia and Ukraine after the failed attempt in Istanbul. Pope Leo XIV has said that he wants to make the Holy See available to receive the two parties in an attempt to end the war.

"This is all tragic because we hoped it would be a slow process, but with a peaceful resolution to the conflict, yet instead we are back to square one," Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's top diplomat, told reporters in Rome on Friday, according to The Times. "Now we will see what we have to do, but the situation is difficult."

Pope Leo XIV has already made it clear that working towards peace in Ukraine will be a major priority of his pontificate. On Sunday, he spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and referred to "the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people" during his first Sunday blessing at St. Peter's Square.

He also made an appeal "with all his heart" to the two leaders to negotiate. "The Holy See is always ready to bring enemies together... Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate," he added: "Those who write history are the peacemakers," said the newly appointed pope.

(FVDV - Source: The Times/Reuters/The Telegraph - Illustration: ©picture alliance ipa-agency VATICAN MEDIACPP)