– Thank you the Holy See for willingness to get involved in this process – Marco Rubio told journalists in Rome, as reported by the Washington correspondent “Kyiv Post”, who is currently traveling with the Secretary of State.
– Of course, there are many other countries that also offered this. […] We will talk about it, about the status of conversations, updates after yesterday's day and path forward – Rubio announced. He welcomed Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, an envoy of the Pope for peace in Ukraine, before their meeting at the US embassy at the Holy See. Asked if the Vatican could be one of the intermediaries, Rubio said: – I would not call him an intermediary, but it is certainly A place where I think, both sides would be comfortable to come.
– We are grateful for their long -lasting efforts, not only in the field of peace intermediation, but also the exchange of prisoners. There are children who were currently taken from their homes, and Ukrainians would like them to come back. […] The Holy See was very involved in this area – emphasized the American secretary of state.
On Saturday, Rubio also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of the state of the Holy See, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for relations with states. Talking to journalists after the meeting, Cardinal Paroline repeated the Pope's offer regarding the organization of peace conversations between Ukraine and Russia in the Vatican, calling the current state of war “tragic”.
PAP/EPA/Vatican Media Handout
Marco Rubio and Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Vatican, May 17, 2025
– We returned to the starting point. The situation is very difficult, dramatic He said, suggesting the failure of the Summit in Istanbul, where the most important leaders did not appear. Finally, we will provide the Vatican, the Holy See, to a direct meeting of both sides.
The Vatican has recently become an important place for Ukrainian diplomacy, because he hosted US President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelnski at the beginning of this month during the funeral of Pope Francis. It was their first personal meeting since the angry meeting in the Oval Office in Washington in February.
“It can only help Ukraine”
For Ukrainian observers, such as Doug Klain, a political analyst at a time, an American organization that provides humanitarian aid for war -torn country, Pope Leon may be “A real advantage” and “It seems to be completely understanding Ukraine “.
Talking to “Kyiv Post” on Saturday, Klain reminded that the first conversation of Pope Leon with the world leader was a telephone to President Zelanski, who “drew attention to Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.”
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– I think that especially if the Pope can press their release and create new energy for Trump himself to make sure that these children will not be left behind in the future It can only help Ukraine Klain said.
According to the Ukrainian coordination staff for the treatment of prisoners of war, Pope Leon received this week a list of Ukrainian soldiers in Russian captivity during the Ceremony in the Vatican.
– My heart is headed for the suffering and beloved Ukrainian nation. Let's do everything in our power to lead to a real peace as soon as possible, a fair and lasting peace -Pope Leon said to a representative of Ukrainian prisoners of war during the jubilee of the Eastern Churches, which took place on May 12-14. – Let all prisoners be released and children return to their families – added the pope.
On Friday, May 16, Pope Leon turned to members of the diplomatic corps accredited at the Holy See, emphasizing an essential role of religious freedom in diplomacy, And he encouraged the ambassadors to follow the paths of peace with justice, truth and hope.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
