In a powerful act of diplomacy rooted in faith, Pope Leo XIV has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a gesture that favors peace, highlighting the moral imperative of dialogue and humanitarian care amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to the Vatican News and a statement by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, the Pope and the President spoke by phone on Wednesday afternoon, focusing particularly on the war’s impact on civilians and the urgency of aid.
“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,” Bruni stated.
Pope Leo XIV’s outreach underscores the Vatican’s enduring commitment to peace and diplomacy. This call is not merely political—it is deeply rooted in Christian ethics and the responsibility of spiritual leaders to advocate for human dignity, mercy, and reconciliation.
During the call, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to secure prisoner exchanges. The Holy Father praised the role of Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, who has been tasked with peace-related diplomatic efforts. According to Bruni, the Pope acknowledged “the value of the work that Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi… is doing in this regard.”
In a particularly poignant moment, Pope Leo also referred to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, expressing gratitude for his earlier well-wishes and noting the unifying force of shared beliefs: “Shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom,” Bruni reported.
While the war in Ukraine continues to bring pain and division, Pope Leo’s actions demonstrate that even in dark times, the Church must be a voice of moral clarity and hope. His call to President Putin was not simply a diplomatic move—it was a pastoral one, calling both leaders and nations to recognize the sacred duty to protect human life and seek peace, grounded in faith.
