On The Drew Mariani Show, Ambassador Joseph Cella joined Drew for a powerful conversation about Pope Leo XIV’s emerging role as a potential peacemaker on the world stage, particularly between Russia and Ukraine. As the first American-born Pope, Leo is not only capturing headlines but also stirring new hope that the Church might again become a central moral voice in global diplomacy.

One major development? Fourteen U.S. Representatives have petitioned Speaker Mike Johnson to formally invite Pope Leo to address a joint session of Congress. This would be historic—and deeply symbolic. The hope is that Pope Leo could speak to the dignity of life, justice, family, and above all, the urgent need for peace.

Ambassador Cella sees the Vatican potentially playing the role of a neutral host for peace negotiations. Unlike during the Iraq War, when Pope John Paul II’s plea for diplomacy was largely ignored, this time feels different. World leaders are paying attention. Pope Leo has already met with President Zelensky and Ukrainian Church leaders, and he’s speaking consistently about the need for a just and lasting peace.

While some political leaders, including former President Trump, are backing this initiative, Cella noted that Leo XIV’s moral and spiritual credibility is what makes him a strong candidate for mediation, not his nationality. The Church has a legacy here: Benedict XV during World War I, John Paul II in 2003, and Pope Francis in 2014 during Israeli-Palestinian talks. Pope Leo seems ready to carry that torch.

But this road isn’t easy. Zelensky is open to ceasefire talks; Putin remains resistant, seeing a pause as a tactical risk. Still, Cella believes Pope Leo can plant the seeds of peace, drawing parallels to Cold War diplomacy and Vietnam-era efforts that took years but eventually bore fruit.

In a moment that mixed gravitas with lighthearted symbolism, VP J.D. Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio presented Pope Leo with a Chicago Bears jersey during their Vatican visit. It was a show of unity and shared faith between American Catholic leaders and the new Holy Father.

As Drew and Cella agreed, this is a pivotal moment. The Church’s moral voice still matters. And now, with a Pope who walked the same streets as millions of Americans, we may be watching history unfold.

Pray for Pope Leo XIV. Pray for peace. The Church may once again help the world find its way back to the table.

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