Vatican Foreign Minister Cardinal Pietro Parolin indicated that Pope Francis plans to use his upcoming trip to Hungary to advance dialogue aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The statement, reported by TASS, notes that the Hungarian government has shown openness to the idea of initiating peace talks, a factor the pope will consider as he engages with leaders during his visit. Parolin explained that the pope will assess whether the moment and the setting offer any practical steps toward peace, continuing a pattern of leveraging travel to push for humanitarian and diplomatic solutions in the region.
According to the Vatican’s senior diplomat, the pope’s Hungary itinerary will include a series of conversations and encounters with government representatives, civil society figures, and Catholic officials. These meetings are viewed as part of a broader diplomatic effort that aligns with Francis’s long-standing emphasis on mercy, dialogue, and the protection of civilian lives amid the Ukraine crisis. The emphasis remains on creating space for negotiations while continuing to advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations and the observance of international humanitarian norms.
During this period, the pope is expected to reiterate his commitment to mediating a peaceful resolution. He has repeatedly stated that his involvement in seeking peace in Ukraine will not be abandoned. The pope continues to pray for a peaceful outcome and to encourage all parties to pursue a ceasefire and constructive talks. The Hungarian engagement is framed as a practical extension of that mission, encouraging collaboration among international partners to move toward a sustainable and humane settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and the security concerns of the wider region.