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.

Jumping straight into the geopolitical fray, the words of the U.S.-born pontiff are meant to single out Vladimir Putin — a notable difference with Pope Francis. The timing may also be just right to help his fellow American,

Pope Leo XIV and US VP Vance met at the Vatican in a key meet ahead of US-led diplomatic initiatives aimed at advancing a Ukraine ceasefire.