Pope Leo XIV meets Russian Orthodox official in move toward Ukraine peace
Photo: Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV met with Metropolitan Anthony, who represents the Russian Orthodox Church, Reuters informs.
Amid tense relations between the Vatican and Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine, this meeting could signal the Holy See's attempt to restore dialogue between the sides and advance the idea of peace talks.
The Pontiff met with Anthony, Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations, and five other senior clergymen during a morning audience.
This was Leo's first audience with Anthony, who represented Patriarch Kirill at Pope Francis's funeral.
Since his election in May, Leo XIV has repeatedly called for peace in global conflicts. This month, he told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a visit, that the Vatican is ready to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
The Pontiff expressed solidarity with suffering Ukraine and stressed that Russia's war is senseless.
However, Russian officials said they do not view the Vatican as a serious venue for negotiations. They noted that it is surrounded by NATO member Italy, which supports Ukraine.
During his first phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in early June, Pope Leo urged Russia to take steps to end the conflict.
