On May 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV led the Regina Caeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. During this occasion, he extended an offer to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. This initiative has received positive responses from several international leaders. Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni publicly acknowledged and welcomed the Pope's gesture, noting that leaders from the United States and Europe also expressed support for the proposal. The Vatican has historically played a mediating role in international conflicts, and this offer is seen as an attempt to facilitate dialogue and potentially de-escalate ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The details regarding the acceptance of the offer by the Russian and Ukrainian governments have not yet been disclosed. The offer comes amid continued international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.