The Vatican has a deep history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.

Pope Leo XIV expressed his willingness to host the next round of talks in the Vatican to bring the end of Russia's war in Ukraine closer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on May 20, according to the Italian government's website.

The conversation took place after Meloni held phone talks with US President Donald Trump and other European leaders. Read also: Pope Leo XIV urges lasting peace in Ukraine in first public address “Having received confirmation from His Holiness of the Vatican’s readiness to host future talks between the parties,