A telephone call took place on Wednesday afternoon, June 4, between Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as confirmed by the Vatican Press Office. During the conversation, the Holy Father urged Russia to take a step towards peace.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican Press Director, reported that aside from mutual interests, significant attention was dedicated to the situation in Ukraine and the pursuit of peace. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of dialogue to foster positive relations between conflicting parties and to seek resolutions to the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian situation was also discussed, along with the necessity of facilitating aid where needed and ongoing efforts regarding prisoner exchanges. Bruni highlighted the crucial work being carried out by Cardinal Zuppi in this regard.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude toward Patriarch Kirill for his wishes at the start of his papacy, underlining the shared Christian values as a guiding light in the pursuit of peace, defense of life, and the search for true religious freedom.
This call is part of the Pope’s ongoing efforts to promote peace in war-torn areas, a theme he reinforced during a recent audience, where he urged an end to conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. The Vatican continues to advocate for dialogue and humanitarian assistance in these challenging times.
The engagement between the Pope and President Putin suggests a potential opening for diplomatic dialogue, highlighting the Vatican’s role as a neutral space for peace efforts. The emphasis on shared values may serve as a foundation for future discussions aimed at alleviating suffering and building understanding between nations.