In an interview excerpt published on 14/9, Pope Leo XIV addressed the question of the Vatican's potential role in mediating the Ukraine conflict. "I want to clearly distinguish between the Holy See's voice in supporting peace and the role of a mediator," he said. "These two issues are very different, and mediation is not as practical as advocating for peace."
The Pope, who assumed his position in May, stated that the Vatican is "working hard to maintain a stance" of impartiality, striving for "true neutrality".
"Some things I've said have been interpreted in various ways, but that's alright," the Pope added. "The precise meaning isn't the focus right now. I believe certain parties must exert enough pressure to make those involved in the conflict say, 'Enough. Let's find another way to resolve our differences.'"
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Pope Leo XIV presides over a ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on 14/9. Photo: AFP |
Pope Leo XIV presides over a ceremony at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on 14/9. Photo: AFP
In his inaugural address on 11/5, after being elected head of the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to end hostilities and establish "a real, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine." He also expressed his desire to bridge the gap between leaders of warring nations to promote peace talks globally.
A few days later, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, announced the Pope's plan for the Vatican to host direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, welcomed the idea.
However, on 23/5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia and Ukraine, as predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian nations, could not negotiate at the Catholic Vatican. "Negotiations at the Vatican are unrealistic," he said.
Political and logistical factors also pose challenges. The Vatican is entirely within Italy, a member of both NATO and the European Union. Other European countries would need to grant permission for Russian officials' planes to fly through their airspace to reach the Vatican.
In the early 1980s, the Vatican successfully helped facilitate negotiations that averted war between Chile and Argentina, two predominantly Catholic nations.
Huyen Le (Crux, AFP)
