Vatican City: In a significant diplomatic engagement on Wednesday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV spoke via telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging Moscow to take a meaningful step toward peace amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Holy Father emphasized the crucial role of dialogue and mutual understanding as the only viable pathway to resolution.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed the details of the conversation, noting that Pope Leo XIV highlighted the worsening humanitarian conditions in war-affected regions and called for greater facilitation of aid efforts where needed. The Pope expressed a heartfelt appeal for Russia to make a goodwill gesture that could ease tensions and open the door to constructive negotiations.

Central to their discussion were the challenges surrounding prisoner exchanges, an issue in which the Vatican has taken a proactive role through Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna. The Pope praised Cardinal Zuppi’s ongoing diplomatic efforts and humanitarian outreach in pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

During the conversation, Pope Leo XIV also acknowledged the message of congratulations he received from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow following the beginning of his pontificate. The Pope spoke of the shared values between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, expressing hope that these Christian principles might guide both sides toward peace, the sanctity of life, and authentic religious freedom.

The phone call marks a continuation of the Vatican’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, underlining Pope Leo XIV’s vision of moral diplomacy in times of global conflict.