In a telephone conversation between Pope Leo XIV and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, they exchanged views on various issues of common interest, paying particular attention to the conflict in Ukraine. The news was confirmed hours later by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

During the conversation, the Holy Father urged Russia to make a concrete gesture that would promote peace in the region. At the same time, he stressed the urgency of promoting dialogue between the parties involved, with the aim of building bridges of understanding that will allow progress toward a negotiated solution to the conflict.

The conversation also addressed the grave humanitarian situation affecting many people in the war zone. In this regard, the importance of ensuring access to humanitarian aid in the most needy areas was discussed, as well as continuing ongoing efforts to facilitate prisoner exchanges. The Pope praised the work that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has been doing in this area.

At the end of the exchange, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for the congratulations received at the beginning of his pontificate. The Pope also emphasized the importance of Christian values ​​shared between East and West as a beacon for the pursuit of peace, the defense of life, and respect for religious freedom.

This diplomatic gesture by Pope Leo XIV is part of his constant efforts to foster reconciliation and open paths to understanding in the midst of one of the most complex conflicts in recent times.