Pope Leo XIV meets with VP JD Vance as US seeks ceasefire in Ukraine

Published: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 10:49 am

Pope Leo XIV and VP Vance Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire in Vatican Meeting

ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Vice President JD Vance held a significant meeting at the Vatican on Monday, coinciding with intensified U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focused on international issues, emphasizing the need for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones and the importance of a negotiated solution.

This meeting was part of a series of private audiences Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, was holding with dignitaries who attended his inaugural Mass. The Vatican, which has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts, including prisoner swaps and the reunification of Ukrainian children, has also offered to host peace talks.

Following the Mass, Vance engaged in separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. Meloni expressed hope that the trilateral meeting could mark a fresh start. Additionally, Meloni spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump and other European leaders ahead of Trump's anticipated call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has pledged to dedicate every effort to achieving peace in Ukraine. He has also highlighted his commitment to continuing the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, particularly in caring for migrants and the vulnerable. Before his election, Prevost had expressed criticism of the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations.

BNN's Perspective: The Vatican's renewed engagement in international diplomacy, particularly concerning the Ukrainian conflict, is a welcome development. The involvement of both the U.S. and European leaders, alongside the Vatican's efforts, suggests a concerted push for a peaceful resolution. While the path to a ceasefire remains complex, the willingness of key players to engage in dialogue offers a glimmer of hope.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, JD Vance, Vatican, Ukraine, ceasefire, Russia, Marco Rubio, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Giorgia Meloni, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, peace talks, humanitarian law, international law, migration, Pope Francis, diplomacy, war, conflict, European Union, United States.

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