Quick Read
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, inviting him to the U.S.
- Vance also met Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to discuss peace talks with Russia.
- The Vatican expressed readiness to mediate Ukraine-Russia negotiations.
- European leaders also joined discussions on Ukraine’s future and sanctions against Russia.
Vance Meets Pope Leo XIV to Strengthen U.S.-Vatican Ties
On Monday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Vatican relations. This meeting comes as the United States ramps up efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing war in Ukraine. During the visit, Vance extended an official invitation from President Donald Trump and the First Lady for the pope to visit the U.S.
The Chicago-born pope, elected earlier this month, received gifts from Vance, including two works by St. Augustine and a Chicago Bears T-shirt emblazoned with his name. In return, Pope Leo XIV gifted Vance a bronze sculpture inscribed with the words, “Peace is a fragile flower,” emphasizing his commitment to global peace. The meeting underscored the Vatican’s potential role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, a position the pope has openly supported since his inauguration.
Focus on Ukraine: Zelenskyy and Vance Discuss Peace Efforts
Later in the day, Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Rome. This marked the first meeting between the two leaders since their heated exchange at the White House in February. Discussions centered on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both parties agreeing on the importance of advancing peace talks with Russia.
Zelenskyy highlighted the need for stronger international sanctions against Russia to pressure Moscow into meaningful negotiations. Vance, in turn, reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine through humanitarian aid, defense cooperation, and diplomatic channels. The meeting was described as “constructive” by both sides, signaling a potential thaw in previously strained relations.
The Vatican’s Role in Ukraine Peace Talks
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has expressed a strong desire to mediate the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The Vatican has offered to host future peace talks while continuing its humanitarian efforts, including facilitating prisoner swaps and reuniting Ukrainian children with their families. This initiative aligns with the pope’s broader commitment to promoting peace and aiding marginalized communities, a legacy he continues from his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The Vatican’s involvement is particularly significant given its neutral stance and moral authority. By hosting peace talks, the Vatican could provide a platform for dialogue that may lead to a lasting resolution to the conflict.
European Leaders Join Diplomatic Push
In addition to his meetings with Pope Leo XIV and Zelenskyy, Vance also held discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a united international front in addressing the Ukraine crisis.
Prime Minister Meloni expressed hope that these trilateral talks could mark a “new beginning” in diplomatic efforts. European leaders have been vocal about the need for stronger sanctions against Russia and increased humanitarian support for Ukraine. Their participation highlights the global nature of the conflict and the need for collaborative solutions.
Trump and Putin: A Critical Phone Call
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential steps toward a ceasefire. This call is seen as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations, as Trump seeks to leverage diplomatic channels to end the conflict. Trump has faced criticism for his perceived leniency toward Putin, but the White House maintains that the president is committed to achieving peace in Ukraine.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have also expressed interest in speaking with Trump ahead of his call with Putin. This highlights the international community’s concern over the escalating violence and the urgent need for a coordinated response.
The meetings in Rome reflect a renewed push for peace in Ukraine, with the U.S., Vatican, and European leaders playing critical roles. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the world watches closely for signs of progress toward a ceasefire and lasting resolution.
Source: Dailytribune, Abcnews, Dailysabah, Fortmorgantimes