Italy can play a role in mediating on Ukraine says pope

(ANSA) – ROME, DEC 2 – Pope Leo XIV said on board the plane taking him back to Rome from his first trip abroad to Turkey and Lebanon Tuesday that Italy can play a role in mediating in the Ukraine war.
In the conflict in Ukraine, Leo said, "I think Italy's role is very important, culturally and historically, due to Italy's ability to act as an intermediary in the midst of a conflict between different parties, including the one between Russia and Ukraine.
"I could suggest that the Holy See encourage this mediation and that we seek, and let us seek together," said Leo, "a solution that can truly lead to a just peace, in this case in Ukraine." Leo also appealed to Hezbollah to lay down its weapons and abandon violence.
"During this trip" to Lebanon, "I also had personal meetings with representatives of various authorities, individuals, and groups involved in internal and international conflicts in the region," but "we don't make public statements on this in the streets; we work behind the scenes," he said.
"That's what we've done and continue to do." When asked if he had received Hezbollah's message and what the Holy See's position is, Leo said, "Yes, I have seen it." The goal is to "try to convince the parties to abandon weapons and violence and to come together to the dialogue table to seek non-violent answers and solutions." This is "the proposal" "from the Church." (ANSA).
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