Pope calls on Putin to make a gesture for peace with Ukraine

According to Bruni, the Pope and Putin discussed the humanitarian situation, as well as the need to provide aid where it is most needed.

"The Pope 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," the director of the Holy See Press Office added.

During the conversation, Pope Leo and the Russian President also discussed the ongoing efforts to exchange prisoners and the significance of the work being carried out in this regard by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna.

"Pope Leo made reference to Patriarch Kirill, thanking him for the congratulations received at the beginning of his pontificate, and underlined how shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom," Bruni said.

Conversation between the Pope and Putin

The phone call between Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place yesterday, June 4.

The Kremlin’s press service stated that Putin complained to the pontiff about alleged "Ukrainian terrorist attacks."

Putin also claimed that he is "interested in achieving peace with Ukraine through political and diplomatic means."

However, the Kremlin made no mention of the Pope’s call for Putin to make a gesture toward peace.