Vatican: It Doesn’t Matter Where – What Matters Is That Peace Talks Finally Begin
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, has emphasized the urgent need to begin peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, once again offering the Vatican as a neutral and secure location to host such talks, The Gaze reports, citing Vatican News.
In an interview with Vatican media, Cardinal Parolin said:
“It is truly important that these negotiations finally begin, because the war must be urgently stopped. First and foremost, a ceasefire is urgently needed to halt the destruction, the devastation of cities, and the death of civilians. Then, a stable, just, and lasting peace must be urgently achieved, one that is accepted and agreed upon by both sides.”
While Russia has so far rejected the possibility, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s readiness:
“Pope Leo XIV has expressed full willingness to host potential negotiations, offering a neutral and protected place. This is not about mediation — because that must be requested by the parties — but simply about readiness to provide a venue.”
He added that other locations, such as Geneva, have also been discussed.
“In any case, the location doesn’t matter. What really matters is that the talks finally begin,” he said.
Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s dedication to peace from the very start of his papacy, Parolin noted that he is following in the footsteps of his predecessors. He recalled the Pope’s first Regina Coeli prayer, where he echoed Saint Paul VI’s historic words at the UN: “No more war, never again war!”
Addressing those who speak of a renewed “activism” of the Vatican in global diplomacy, Cardinal Parolin stated:
“Instead of talking about ‘activism’, I prefer to frame even our diplomatic initiatives in this context of service to peace and fraternity.”
He also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s message to communication professionals to avoid aggressive language and never separate truth-seeking from love:
“Words, too, can become tools of war, or they can foster mutual understanding, dialogue, and recognition as brothers and sisters. Peace begins with each of us, and we are called to build it starting from how we communicate with others.”
As The Gaze reported earlier, the Vatican offered for the first time that it is offering to host direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on May 16, after high-level talks in Istanbul collapsed due to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s refusal to attend.