In a historic phone call on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea for peace in Ukraine during his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since assuming the papacy last month. The pontiff, known for his commitment to dialogue, underscored the urgent need for peaceful resolutions, though details on whether he urged direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remain unclear.

The discussion also touched on critical humanitarian concerns, including prisoner exchanges and aid efforts. However, the tone shifted as Putin reportedly accused Kyiv of intensifying the conflict, pointing to recent Ukrainian attacks on civilian infrastructure, notably the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to Crimea—a territory illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. This comes on the heels of a significant Ukrainian drone operation that demolished dozens of Russian warplanes, further stoking tensions.

Amidst these escalations, Putin apparently expressed skepticism about the prospects of peace talks, a stance that aligns with ongoing accusations that the Kremlin has not engaged in ceasefire efforts in good faith. Russian drone and missile strikes continue to devastate Ukrainian cities, casting a shadow over any hope for immediate de-escalation.

Interestingly, the Kremlin also pressed the Vatican to take a more active stance on religious freedoms in Ukraine, particularly concerning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historical ties to Russia. This request comes as Ukrainian authorities pursue criminal cases against clergy suspected of Moscow sympathies, while Ukraine’s foreign ministry has condemned Russia for religious oppression in occupied territories, citing the destruction of hundreds of churches and the deaths of dozens of clergy since the war began.

As this conflict drags on, the Pope’s call for peace serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost on both sides. Whether this dialogue can spark a genuine shift remains to be seen, but it’s a flicker of hope in an otherwise darkening landscape.

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Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace in Ukraine During Historic Call with Putin