On June 4, Pope Leo XIV engaged in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since his election as pope, concentrating on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Pope seized this opportunity to implore Putin to undertake significant actions aimed at fostering peace in the area.
Although the Vatican typically maintains confidentiality regarding such discussions, it confirmed that the conversation occurred and disclosed the main topics that were addressed. These topics included humanitarian concerns, the potential for prisoner exchanges, and the diplomatic initiatives of Cardinal Zuppi, who serves as the Vatican’s designated peace envoy.
During their discussion, Putin allegedly placed the blame on Ukraine, accusing it of exacerbating the conflict.
He underscored the necessity of tackling what he perceives as the root causes of the war instead of merely focusing on immediate ceasefire agreements.
This outreach from the Pope occurs alongside other international diplomatic efforts. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also recently revealed that he had a conversation with Putin. Their dialogue included discussions about the attacks in Ukraine, but Trump acknowledged that their call did not result in any tangible advancements toward peace.
Pope Leo’s initiative signifies the Vatican’s wider dedication to global peace initiatives, particularly in regions afflicted by war. While it remains uncertain whether this call will yield immediate results, it represents a significant advancement in diplomatic relations between the Catholic Church and the Russian administration
