Two weeks after ascending the throne of Saint Peter, the first pope from the United States is being floated by world leaders for another pivotal role: peacemaker between Ukraine and Russia. The initiative to have the Vatican mediate talks between Moscow and Kyiv could be an early test for Pope Leo XIV,

President Trump suggested Monday after a call with Russia's Vladimir Putin that ceasefire negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv should take place in the Vatican, hosted by Pope Leo XIV. Why it matters: This would be a high-profile and potentially risky first act of international diplomacy for the American-born pope.

Pope Leo XIV called Wednesday for humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip and for an end to the heartbreaking toll on its people, as he presided over his first general audience in St. Peter's Square.