Pope Leo XIV, head of the Roman Catholic Church, held the first conversation with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The meeting, organized on the initiative of the Holy See, focused on the humanitarian situation caused by the military conflict and efforts to exchange prisoners of war between the two countries.
In an official statement by the Vatican press service, it is stated that the Pope has called on Russia to take concrete steps in favor of peace. The Supreme Pontiff has emphasized the importance of dialogue for establishing positive contacts between the countries and for finding solutions that will lead to the cessation of hostilities.
The meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Putin took place at a time when the international community continues to exert pressure on Russia to end the invasion of Ukraine. The Vatican, as a neutral party, seeks to play a mediating role in the efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict.