The Vatican has once again offered to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as the conflict enters its fourth year.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, reaffirmed an earlier proposal made by Pope Leo XIV to hold talks in a “neutral, protected venue.”

Speaking to the Italian news agency ANSA, Cardinal Parolin clarified that while the Vatican remains open to facilitating peace efforts, it does not necessarily view itself as a mediator in the process.

“Any mediation must be requested by the parties,” he stated.

He added that other neutral venues, including Geneva, were also being considered for potential negotiations.

“It is not important where the negotiations between Russians and Ukrainians — negotiations we all hope for — will take place. What truly matters is that these negotiations finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war,” Parolin emphasized.

Although no official date has been set, there is speculation that a meeting could take place at the Vatican in mid-June.

Throughout the war, the Holy See, under the late Pope Francis, made several unsuccessful attempts to mediate between the two nations.

GNA