A spokesman for the leader of the Catholic Church said the new Pontiff was hopeful he could provide an 'opening for peace'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday he was grateful to Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to mediate in the conflict with Russia. (ANSA)

A spokesman for the leader of the Catholic Church said the new Pontiff was hopeful he could provide an 'opening for peace'.

The Vatican has offered to host any peace talks while continuing humanitarian efforts to facilitate prisoner swaps and reunite Ukrainian children taken by Russia.