Can the Vatican Mediate Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks? Here’s What Marco Rubio Thinks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the Vatican could serve as a neutral venue for future peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. This follows Pope Leo XIV’s renewed offer to host negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

During a visit to Rome on May 17, Rubio met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican’s envoy on Ukraine. He expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s longstanding efforts in facilitating prisoner exchanges and humanitarian initiatives, particularly concerning Ukrainian children displaced by the war. Rubio noted that while the Vatican may not act as a formal broker, it is “a place that both sides would be comfortable going” for discussions.

President Donald Trump has also supported the idea of the Vatican hosting peace talks. Following a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump suggested that ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv take place in the Vatican, hosted by Pope Leo XIV. The Pope has pledged to make “every effort” to help end the war.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host the next round of negotiations in the Vatican. Meloni expressed deep gratitude to the Pope for his unceasing commitment to peace.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, recent talks in Istanbul failed to produce a ceasefire agreement, though a significant prisoner exchange was achieved. Rubio mentioned that the U.S. is awaiting Russia’s proposed terms for a potential ceasefire, emphasizing the need for “serious and viable” proposals from both sides.

The Vatican’s offer to host peace talks is seen as a potential step forward in the complex process of negotiating an end to the conflict. However, the success of such talks will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue