President Donald Trump Calls for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks at the Vatican in Presence of Pope Leo Provost – A New Ray of Hope Emerges

President Donald Trump Calls for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks at the Vatican in Presence of Pope Leo Provost – A New Ray of Hope Emerges

There is growing international discussion about the possibility of initiating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. President Donald Trump has already called for organizing the negotiations at the Vatican in the presence of Pope Leo Provost. He has also urged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several European leaders to join in appealing to the Pope to host the peace initiative.

Since taking office on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo has expressed a strong stance in favor of peace. His first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica began with the word “Peace”—echoing, according to the Bible, the first word spoken by Jesus after his resurrection. The Pope declared his commitment to a “disarmed and disarming peace.” This has led many to wonder whether his words are purely spiritual or a signal of broader political intentions.

Direction of the Peace Process

Italian Prime Minister Meloni shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that she had spoken with the Pope regarding the peace initiative. U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders have expressed their support for the Vatican’s neutral role in mediating the talks.

Pope Leo has already met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have also met with the Pope and delivered a message of goodwill from President Trump.

Vatican's Preparations and Challenges

Analysts believe that if both parties agree, peace talks could begin at the Vatican within three to four weeks. However, the discussions would be conducted at a practical, diplomatic level, without the Pope’s direct involvement. Security will be handled by the Italian government, as the Vatican’s own Swiss Guard consists of only 120 members.

The Vatican’s “Foreign Minister,” Archbishop Paul Gallagher, has already become actively involved and is planning secret diplomatic missions. The Vatican has recently hosted several successful international conferences, showcasing its organizational capabilities.

Ukraine’s Confidence and Russia’s Position

While Ukraine’s trust in the Vatican waned somewhat during Pope Francis’s tenure, many are hopeful that the situation may change under the new Pope. German and Roman Church experts believe that Pope Leo can serve as a neutral mediator and gain international acceptance.

Looking Ahead

President Vladimir Putin last visited the Vatican in 2019. Now, a new opportunity for dialogue is emerging. Pope Leo’s message of peace, combined with Trump’s diplomatic outreach, positions the Vatican as a potential center for ending the war.

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican’s active engagement may signal the start of a new chapter in diplomacy aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war and establishing lasting peace. The outcome now largely depends on the decisions made by Moscow and Kyiv, along with the level of international support.