The Voice News: Italy has expressed support for the idea of the Vatican mediating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, a proposal originally suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, there is no concrete plan yet, and Trump himself seems to be stepping back from the initiative.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office confirmed that Italy is ready to help facilitate discussions, and welcomed what it described as the Pope’s willingness to host peace talks. But the Vatican has clarified that while Pope Leo is open to promoting peace, there is no formal agreement or detailed plan at this time.
Pope Leo recently stated that the Vatican is “always ready” to bring opposing sides together and would make every effort to encourage peace. Ukraine has shown openness to the idea of holding talks at the Vatican. President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned in a social media post that he had spoken with Meloni about possible venues, noting that she offered “cool ideas,” including the Vatican, Turkey, and Switzerland.
Russia, on the other hand, may prefer to continue the so-called “Istanbul Plus” process, which builds on earlier talks in Turkey. However, Moscow’s demands—such as Ukraine reducing its military and recognizing Russia’s annexation of several Ukrainian regions—make any real progress unlikely.
Although the Vatican has previously helped in humanitarian efforts like freeing prisoners and reuniting families, its role in peace negotiations remains symbolic for now. Still, its involvement could offer moral weight and a different tone compared to Trump’s blunt political style.
Pope Leo, unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, has taken a clearer stance against the war, calling Russia’s invasion imperialistic and condemning alleged war crimes. This position might make him more acceptable to Ukraine but less influential with the Kremlin, which continues to insist that the conflict is Ukraine’s fault.
Analysts suggest that Russia is playing a long game, seeking to outlast Western support for Ukraine rather than make any serious compromises. While Trump’s current approach focuses more on negotiation than punishment for Russia, the chances of meaningful talks remain slim unless both sides shift their positions.
In the meantime, the Vatican stands as a hopeful—but uncertain—potential platform for dialogue.