Pope urges Putin to make move for peace discussions

(MENAFN) Pope Leo XIV, in a phone call held on Wednesday, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a concrete move toward fostering peace, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

The Vatican characterized the discussion as “frank and focused on the urgency of dialogue,” with the Pope making a direct appeal to Moscow to adopt measures that might ease hostilities and set the stage for further diplomatic progress.

During the conversation, as stated by reports, the Holy See Press Office’s director highlighted that the Pope emphasized “the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict.”

Humanitarian assistance was another key topic, with both leaders acknowledging the difficulties in delivering aid where it is most needed and continuing efforts to facilitate the exchange of prisoners.

Additionally, the Pope expressed appreciation to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill for his earlier congratulations on the beginning of his papacy.

He also reaffirmed the shared moral values among Christian traditions, noting they could act as “a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom.”

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