Pope Leo Offers Vatican for Putin-Zelensky Peace Talks

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has made a significant call for peace amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, urging an immediate ceasefire and advocating for dialogue over hostility. Breaking his silence on social media, he sent a succinct four-word message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and offered the Vatican as a neutral venue for peace talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that "war is never inevitable" and that weapons only exacerbate problems. This offer aligns with the upcoming Istanbul meeting between the two leaders, which marks their first direct discussion since 2019. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Vatican's willingness to facilitate negotiations despite the challenging and dramatic situation. Pope Leo XIV's approach reflects his broader vision as a bridge builder among continents, aiming to foster global peace and reconciliation. His messages underscore the dignity of peace and the importance of treating adversaries as human beings open to dialogue rather than enemies to hate.