Pope Leo XIV made another appeal for peace in Ukraine at the end of the general audience this May 28.
In these days, my thoughts turn often to the Ukrainian people, affected by serious new attacks against civilians and infrastructure. I assure all the victims, in particular children and families, of my closeness and my prayer.
I strongly reiterate my appeal to stop the war and to support every initiative of dialogue and peace. I ask everyone to join in prayer for peace in Ukraine and wherever there is suffering because of war.
Urgent to stop the war
In an interview with Vatican News, the Pope's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, clarified the Vatican's diplomatic efforts in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“Pope Leo has offered the Holy See’s full availability to host any negotiations, providing a neutral, protected venue,” he said.
President Donald Trump expressed his support for this possibility on May 19. Pope Francis had already expressed the Vatican's availability, and reiterated it through various channels.
However, Pope Leo XIV's secretary of state clarified:
“Mediation must be requested by the parties. In this case, there has only been a public offer of hospitality for a possible meeting,” he explained.
While Moscow seems opposed to the Vatican as a venue for negotiations, Cardinal Parolin insists that it is “not important” where the meetings will take place, but rather that negotiations “finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war.”
“Other potential venues are now being discussed, such as Geneva,” the Italian diplomat added.
