VATICAN CITY (Michael Haynes/LifeSiteNews) — Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call today, with the Pope asking Putin to “make a gesture that would promote peace,” while emphasizing dialogue.
Earlier today Russian news outlets reported that Leo and Putin had spoken by phone, but it was not until a little after 9 p.m. Rome time that the Holy See Press Office confirmed the news.
A statement issued by the Vatican read:
During the phone call, in addition to matters of mutual interest, special attention was paid to the situation in Ukraine and peace.
The Pope made an appeal for Russia to make a gesture that would promote peace, stressed the importance of dialogue for the realization of positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict.
The humanitarian situation was discussed, the need to facilitate aid where needed, ongoing efforts to exchange prisoners and the value of Cardinal Zuppi’s work in this regard.
Pope Leo referred to Patriarch Kirill, thanking him for the good wishes he received at the beginning of his pontificate, and emphasized how common Christian values can be a light to help seek peace, defend life and seek genuine religious freedom.
Catholicism.org comment: Of course, it will be wonderful if Pope Leo could barter peace between Russia and Ukraine, sparing the lives of many. But genuine and lasting peace will not happen until the consecration of Russia is done properly and Russia is converted.
