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.

President Trump suggested Monday after a call with Russia's Vladimir Putin that ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv should take place in the Vatican, hosted by Pope Leo XIV. Why it matters: This would be a high-profile and potentially risky first act of international diplomacy for the American-born pope.

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,