Pope Leo XIV spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 4th, addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This conversation marked the highest-level interaction between the Vatican and Russia since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Vatican News reported that Holy See Press Office spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the call, noting that Pope Leo XIV made “an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favor peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict.”
In the call, the first between Pope Leo XIV and Putin, they discussed humanitarian issues and prisoner exchanges. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, appointed as the Vatican’s peace envoy to Ukraine, was acknowledged for his ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Vatican News also referenced Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, thanking him for congratulatory messages received upon Pope Leo XIV’s election. They noted that Leo XIV stressed how “shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom.”
While specifics of the peace “gesture” sought by Pope Leo XIV were not reported, this direct Vatican-Russian communication shows the Vatican’s continuing effort towards peace in Ukraine.
Let us pray for the peace! 🙏
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