ROME: The Vatican has been granted the opportunity to hold peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine by Pope Leo XIV.
After speaking with the pope, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni affirmed his offer, stating that he is prepared to assist in bringing all parties to the negotiating table and putting an end to the conflict.
Following a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday, Meloni conferred with Leo, according to her office.
Following the call, Trump met with Meloni and other European leaders, and according to her office, she was asked to reaffirm the pope’s willingness to hold talks.
Meloni mentioned “the Holy Father’s willingness to host upcoming discussions between the parties at the Vatican” during his Tuesday meeting with the pope, the statement read.