The Vatican has a deep history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.

Pope Leo XIV spoke about his prayers for those who have died due to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, especially in light of recent shelling, and emphasized his support for all initiatives that could bring an end to the war,

The conversation took place after Meloni held phone talks with US President Donald Trump and other European leaders. Read also: Pope Leo XIV urges lasting peace in Ukraine in first public address “Having received confirmation from His Holiness of the Vatican’s readiness to host future talks between the parties,