Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that the Vatican could become a platform for a constructive dialogue between Ukraine and Russia to end the war. He said this during a speech at the Construction Industry Day in Berlin, Ukrinform reports.
“What we are experiencing in Ukraine is a cause for concern for the near future. There are no signs of an imminent end to the war,” the Chancellor stressed.
Merz stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts and recalled the dialogue between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the newly elected Pope, pointing to the potential role of the Vatican as the last “earthly authority” for peace.
“We can only hope that at least there the parties will be able to meet for a constructive discussion,” he said.
The Chancellor also stressed that Germany should play an active role in European diplomacy together with its partners – France, Poland, and the United Kingdom. He promised that the government’s new policy would cover security, economic and trade areas, with a particular focus on completing the EU’s internal market.
