The Vatican’s top diplomat said on Monday that the Vatican is willing to “promote discussion” between Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict.

In the Vatican hierarchy, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, second only to the Pope, told Italian reporters that “despite the war unleashed by Russia on Ukraine,” he was “convinced there is always opportunity for negotiations.”

Andriy Yurash, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican, told Reuters on February 14 that Kyiv was open to the Vatican mediating its dispute with Russia, describing the Vatican as a “highly influential, very spiritual site for a meeting.”

Parolin told Italian journalists that the only “logical and productive” method to resolve issues was through communication.

According to a transcript on the official Vatican News website, he added, “The Holy See, which has been following events in Ukraine consistently, discreetly, and with great interest in recent years, seeking to assist conversation with Russia, is always ready to help both sides resume such a route.”

On Sunday, Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for humanitarian corridors to aid refugees fleeing Ukraine, saying that those who wage war should not be fooled into believing that God is on their side.