Pope Leo XIV Calls Putin, Urges Peace
On June 4, just a month into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to “open the gates of peace” through dialogue. The Vatican confirmed the call, highlighting the pope’s active role in promoting peace amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the conversation focused on the humanitarian crisis, the need for aid, and efforts toward prisoner exchanges—key elements of the Vatican’s peace mission led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. Pope Leo also acknowledged Patriarch Kirill, emphasizing shared Christian values as a path toward peace and religious freedom.
While Putin thanked the pope, he stood firm, accusing Ukraine of escalating the conflict and targeting Russian infrastructure. The Kremlin reiterated its narrative, blaming Kyiv and calling for Ukrainian neutrality and NATO withdrawal.
Despite differing views, Russia expressed hope the Vatican would advocate for religious freedoms in Ukraine, especially for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church linked to Moscow.