In a pivotal show of international diplomacy, President Zelensky's attendance at Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass highlights growing hope for peace in Ukraine amidst ongoing negotiations with Russia.
Zelensky Attends Pope's Inaugural Mass as Peace Talks Loom
Zelensky Attends Pope's Inaugural Mass as Peace Talks Loom
Ukrainian President Zelensky expresses gratitude as Pope Leo XIV offers Vatican for peace negotiations.
May 18, 2025 - In a significant move towards peace, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. The Pope has expressed his eagerness to facilitate peace between Ukraine and Russia, offering the Vatican as a venue for potential peace talks.
During a press conference on Friday, Leo asserted the Holy See’s commitment to fostering dialogue, stating, "The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face." Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope’s secretary of state, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the Vatican's role as a suitable location for such discussions.
Ahead of the mass, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the idea of using the Vatican for negotiations, although neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed interest in this offer. Rubio attended the mass alongside Vice President JD Vance, who was seen shaking hands with Zelensky.
This marks Zelensky's second visit to the Vatican in recent weeks; he previously attended the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, where he had a notable private conversation with former President Trump. While the Mass was a public event, it remains uncertain if Zelensky engaged in any unofficial discussions regarding the conflict.
In the days leading to the Mass, Zelensky met separately with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Rome, where they deliberated strategies to exert pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.
As the search for peace intensifies, direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations recently took place in Turkey, leading to a successful prisoner exchange. Since his election, Pope Leo has expressed strong support for peace efforts; in his inaugural address, he called for an “authentic, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and emphasized the need for returning prisoners of war to their families, particularly highlighting the plight of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
With a renewed focus on dialogue and resolution, stakeholders from around the globe watch closely as the prospect of peace in Ukraine evolves.
During a press conference on Friday, Leo asserted the Holy See’s commitment to fostering dialogue, stating, "The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face." Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope’s secretary of state, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the Vatican's role as a suitable location for such discussions.
Ahead of the mass, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the idea of using the Vatican for negotiations, although neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed interest in this offer. Rubio attended the mass alongside Vice President JD Vance, who was seen shaking hands with Zelensky.
This marks Zelensky's second visit to the Vatican in recent weeks; he previously attended the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, where he had a notable private conversation with former President Trump. While the Mass was a public event, it remains uncertain if Zelensky engaged in any unofficial discussions regarding the conflict.
In the days leading to the Mass, Zelensky met separately with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Rome, where they deliberated strategies to exert pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.
As the search for peace intensifies, direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations recently took place in Turkey, leading to a successful prisoner exchange. Since his election, Pope Leo has expressed strong support for peace efforts; in his inaugural address, he called for an “authentic, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and emphasized the need for returning prisoners of war to their families, particularly highlighting the plight of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
With a renewed focus on dialogue and resolution, stakeholders from around the globe watch closely as the prospect of peace in Ukraine evolves.
