Pope Leo XIV made a direct appeal for peace to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their first phone conversation on Wednesday, marking the Vatican leader’s most significant outreach since his election.

According to Breitbart, the call addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the pope emphasizing diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and the importance of shared Christian values amid escalating violence.

The Vatican and the Kremlin confirmed the conversation one day later, noting that both leaders discussed efforts to resolve the war and the role religion might play in easing tensions. According to the Holy See’s spokesman, Matteo Bruni, Pope Leo encouraged Russia to take a step that could lead toward peace.

During the call, the pope underlined the role of dialogue as a path toward resolution. He emphasized creating “positive contacts between the parties” and stressed the importance of shared values in defending human life and promoting religious freedom.

Putin, in turn, used the opportunity to congratulate Pope Leo on his election, as this was their first contact since the pope succeeded the late Pope Francis in May. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that there had been no direct communication between them before the conversation.

Call Covers War, Religion, and Aid

Pope Leo brought up his early communication with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, expressing gratitude for the congratulatory message Kirill had sent following the papal conclave. The goodwill gesture was part of the broader conversation that addressed religious cooperation amid conflict.

The humanitarian work of the Vatican in Ukraine was another major subject. Pope Leo highlighted his concern for the Ukrainian people and reiterated his commitment to supporting displaced persons, prisoners, and affected families.

The Kremlin acknowledged the Vatican’s ongoing involvement in humanitarian issues, calling their participation “depoliticized.” The Kremlin's official statement said Russia valued the Vatican’s initiatives and willingness to aid in resolving the crisis.

Putin Accuses Kyiv, Rejects Mediation

While Putin expressed gratitude for Pope Leo’s interest in a resolution, there was no indication from the Kremlin that the Vatican would take on a formal mediator role. Instead, Putin reaffirmed what he called Russia’s commitment to political and diplomatic solutions.

However, he accused the Ukrainian government of provoking conflict, alleging sabotage activities against Russia’s civilian infrastructure. He also labeled Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory as acts of terrorism, according to the Kremlin’s statement.

The Vatican did not publicly respond to these claims, keeping its focus on supporting victims and encouraging diplomatic solutions. Pope Leo did not assign blame but focused his message on moving forward with peace efforts.

Leo’s Early Diplomacy Shows Urgency

The conversation with Putin comes as part of Pope Leo’s early campaign to actively engage world leaders to end the war. Days into his papacy, he had already spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in what the Ukrainian government described as a warm and productive call.

Zelensky later met Pope Leo in person during the pope’s inaugural Mass. He thanked the pontiff for his support and called for continued pressure to secure justice and freedom for Ukrainian prisoners and children.

During his first Sunday blessing as pope, Leo XIV publicly prayed for the people of Ukraine and emphasized the need to return captured individuals to their homes. His focus has remained on humanitarian concerns above political negotiations.

Broader Global Engagement Underway

Putin also held a separate phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the same day he spoke with Pope Leo. Trump confirmed the call on Truth Social and said it was “good” but “not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.”

Just two weeks prior, Trump criticized Putin's military strikes, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” for targeting Ukrainian civilians with drones and missiles. He warned that Putin’s ambitions could threaten Russia’s future stability.

The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s remarks as overly emotional. Despite failed attempts at restarting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, global leaders continue to speak out against escalating violence.

Pope Seeks Common Ground Through Faith

Pope Leo’s outreach has remained consistent in tone: focusing less on assigning blame and more on uniting parties through shared values. Bruni said the pope hoped that common Christian principles could help defend life and promote lasting peace.

The pontiff’s diplomatic approach aims to balance spiritual leadership with practical engagement. Though the Vatican has not proposed itself as a formal negotiator, its symbolic influence has significant weight.

As the war stretches on, Pope Leo is expected to continue his outreach, pressing for humanitarian relief and pathways to dialogue—aims that are central to his early agenda as leader of the Catholic Church.