Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire Efforts at Vatican

Pope Leo XIV met with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on Monday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting comes amid heightened international discussions on resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Vance, accompanied by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attended the formal Mass marking the beginning of Pope Leo’s papacy. The Vatican released images of the meeting, showing the Chicago-born pontiff engaging in discussions with the US delegation.

According to a statement from the Vatican, the talks included an exchange of views on international issues, with a focus on humanitarian law and the need for a negotiated solution to ongoing conflicts. The meeting also highlighted the Vatican’s willingness to mediate between warring nations, with Pope Leo reaffirming his commitment to peace.

The diplomatic discussions coincide with US President Donald Trump’s scheduled phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at advancing peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended Pope Leo’s inauguration, also met with Vance and Rubio to discuss efforts to end the bloodshed in Ukraine.