VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV’s offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine — an offer Russia has turned down — was motivated by a conviction that the two sides must start negotiating and stop the killing, the Vatican secretary of state said. “First and foremost, a truce is needed to end the devastation, the destroyed cities, the civilians losing their lives. Then it is urgent to reach a stable, just and lasting peace, one accepted and agreed upon by both sides,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Vatican News May 27. Where Russia and Ukraine finally decide to meet “is not important,” the cardinal said. “What is happening in Gaza is unacceptable,” Cardinal Parolin said.