Pope Leo XIV met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday to discuss conflict resolution around the world, including in Ukraine.
“Finally, there was an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which hope was expressed that humanitarian law and international law be respected in areas of conflict and that there be a negotiated solution between the parties involved,” the statement said.
Earlier, Leo XIV expressed his desire to become a mediator in the settlement of all current armed conflicts, including the Ukrainian one. The Pontiff urged not to divide the opposing sides into “good” or “bad,” emphasising the need for compromise and understanding the interests of each state.
In addition, the newly elected Pope suggested the Vatican as a platform for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
In early May, Pope Leo XIV was reported to have criticised the administration of US President Donald Trump and the words of Vice President J.D. Vance several times on social media before his ascension to the Holy See. Trump called the election of the US native as the new Pope a “great honour” for the country.
At the same time, shortly before that, the President published a photo of himself in papal attire on social media, which drew criticism in the Vatican. The new Pope, when he was still a US cardinal, commented on Vance’s stance on immigration policy.
