WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
Pope Leo XIV. expressed his readiness for the Vatican to host potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine last week
On Sunday, leaders from around the world gathered in Rome again, for the second time in less than a month, to attend the ceremonial enthronement of Pope Leo XIV. as the new head of the Catholic Church.
The ceremony once again displayed the full splendor of the Vatican, and Rome became the center of diplomatic meetings. Even before taking over the papal office, the event in St. Peter's Square opened up space for numerous informal meetings between statesmen. US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shook hands between them, despite an earlier public spat at the White House in February.
Photos and videos of the handshake went viral on social media.
Pope Leo XIV. last week, he expressed his willingness for the Vatican to host potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
"Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate," were the words he used to invite both sides to talk.
Zelensky also had a private audience with the new pope in the morning, according to a statement from the Holy See, while some sources such as state that their conversation will take place in the afternoon.
The Ukrainian president thus became the first world leader to have a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV after his election. The two had previously spoken by phone, during which the pope expressed support for Ukraine.
