Colombian President Gustavo Petro floated a bold possibility this week: the Vatican could become a central venue for renewed peace talks between the government and the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN. In a private session with the pope, Petro confirmed that a gathering was possible and that talks with the ELN could move forward from this point. The idea signals a potential shift in how the Colombian peace process is approached, with the Vatican viewed as an influential intermediary capable of facilitating dialogue and trust between negotiating parties.
Petro noted that Pope Francis himself showed openness to advancing deeper steps in the peace process. The president stressed that the Vatican’s involvement could provide stability and moral support for a lasting settlement, highlighting the historical and symbolic weight the Catholic Church carries in Colombia and Latin America. Several factors motivate this shift, including the longstanding ties between the church, civil society, and the aspirations of Colombians for a durable peace. The president spoke to reporters near the Vatican about the significance of a renewed peace effort and the Vatican’s potential to help guide negotiations toward concrete progress.
The discussion with the pontiff touched on a broader vision for peace in Colombia, one that involves active engagement from religious institutions and civil society actors. Petro suggested that the Vatican and the Catholic Church could offer constructive input toward the peace framework, complementing governmental initiatives and international support. The aim is to revitalize a process that has faced hurdles in recent years and to create momentum for a settlement that can endure beyond political cycles.
During the conversations, Petro highlighted past efforts to foster pacification as part of Colombia’s recent history. He recalled the country’s complex journey since 2016, marked by periods of progress and setbacks, including a pause under the administration that followed Petro. The national dialogue now seeks a renewed sense of purpose, with religious leadership playing a visible role in encouraging reconciliation, accountability, and justice for victims of conflict.
The discussion also touched on the origins of the ELN, which emerged in the 1960s amid a climate of upheaval and religious influences in Latin America. The ELN’s early leadership drew inspiration from liberation theology, a perspective that blends Christian ethics with social justice concerns. One of the organization’s early figures, a Colombian priest, became a symbol of the movement before his life was claimed by the conflict. Liberation theology remains a point of reference in the region, with its modern interpretation receiving renewed attention from church leadership in recent years.
In this broader context, observers note that the Vatican’s potential involvement could help bridge gaps between negotiation partners, offering a neutral platform focused on human dignity, humanitarian considerations, and sustainable peace. The discussions reflect a wider trend in which faith-based institutions are increasingly looked to as mediators in complex peace processes across the Americas. Credible voices within the Catholic world have repeatedly urged constructive participation to support Colombia’s path toward stability and reconciliation.
Analysts caution that bringing a religious institution into formal mediation requires careful separation of church authority from state processes to preserve neutrality and maintain political legitimacy. Still, many view the Vatican’s global moral influence as a unique asset, capable of fostering trust, encouraging concessions, and keeping talks focused on practical outcomes rather than political posturing. The international community has shown interest in Colombia’s peace journey, and a Vatican role could signal a broader commitment to a durable resolution that includes regional cooperation, human rights protections, and safeguards for communities affected by conflict.
As the dialogue evolves, observers will watch for concrete steps, including timelines, verification mechanisms, and confidence-building measures that can sustain dialogue beyond headlines. The overarching goal remains clear: to achieve a stable and inclusive peace that honors Colombia’s diverse communities and lays a foundation for long-term security and development. The potential Vatican involvement is presented as a catalyst for renewed momentum, with the hope that shared faith in peace can translate into shared progress for the Colombian people.