Pope Leo XIV Offers Vatican for Peace Talks as Zelensky Attends Inaugural Mass

The inaugural Mass led by Pope Leo XIV marked a significant diplomatic gesture as peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are explored.

On May 18, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended the inaugural Mass held by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square, a noteworthy event following the pope's indication of his commitment to peace between Ukraine and Russia. The newly inaugurated pope expressed his eagerness to facilitate negotiations, proposing the Vatican as a neutral ground for dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV has voiced his intent to “make every effort for peace to prevail,” emphasizing the Holy See’s readiness to intervene by providing a space for discussions among opposing parties. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope’s secretary of state, referred to the Vatican as an “appropriate place” for fostering peace negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Vatican could serve as a viable venue for talks, though both Ukraine and Russia have yet to respond to this proposal. The inaugural Mass also saw attendance by Vice President JD Vance, who engaged with Zelensky during the event.

Zelensky's appearance marked his second visit to the Holy See within a short period; his earlier trip included a private meeting with former President Donald Trump following Pope Francis' funeral. While no informal discussions around the Mass were confirmed, Zelensky had recently engaged with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter to strategize pressure on Russia regarding the conflict.

The pursuit of peace in Ukraine seems to be intensifying, with recent direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations taking place in Turkey, culminating in an agreement on prisoner exchanges. Pope Francis, who passed away in April, was a consistent advocate for ameliorating the situation in Ukraine, and Pope Leo XIV has continued this advocacy by calling for a “just and lasting peace” and the return of prisoners and children affected by the war.