Leo XIV Asked Putin to Make Gesture for Peace Says Vatican

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to make “a gesture that would favor peace” during a telephone conversation focusing on the war in Ukraine on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

According to Ansa News Agency, the American pontiff emphasized “the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict,” as stated in a Vatican statement. Leo XIV highlighted the significance of shared Christian values as a guiding light to aid in seeking peace, defending life, and pursuing genuine religious freedom.