Pope Leo speaks by phone with President Putin

President Putin Wiki Image 3/2024

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Wednesday afternoon, focusing especially on the war in Ukraine.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters that the Pope and the President discussed the humanitarian situation, as well as the need to facilitate aid where necessary.

"The Pope made an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favour peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict," said the statement.

Pope Leo XIV and President Putin also discussed the ongoing efforts for prisoner exchanges and the value of the work that Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, is doing on this issue.

Mr Bruni said: "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."

President Putin met Pope Francis in person three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2019. They also spoke by phone, the last time was in December 2021.

He met with Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and with Pope John Paul II in 2000, and 2003.