In his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church last month, Pope Leo XIV directly appealed for peace in Ukraine.

Following their Wednesday call, the Vatican stated that the Pope emphasized the “importance of dialogue.” However, it remains unclear whether he urged Putin to engage in direct discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, something Putin has thus far refused to do.

While the two leaders also discussed humanitarian aid, prisoner exchanges, and general assistance, Putin reportedly accused Kyiv of “escalating” the conflict during the phone call.

Putin allegedly told the Pope “that the Kyiv regime is counting on escalating the conflict and is carrying out acts of sabotage against civilian infrastructure on Russian territory.”

This claim referenced the recent attack on the Kerch Bridge this week, which connects Crimea, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, with Russia.

The attack followed a large-scale drone operation targeting Russia’s military complex and facilities capable of deploying cruise missiles.

The attack has raised questions about the potential for peace talks, though the Kremlin has already faced accusations of not participating in ceasefire attempts with genuine intent as it continues to bombard Ukrainian cities with drone and missile strikes.

According to a readout of the call, the Kremlin also apparently requested that the Vatican take a more active role in advocating for religious freedoms in Ukraine, specifically concerning members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historical ties to Russia.

Ukrainian authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against clergy members suspected of pro-Moscow sympathies.

In April, Ukraine’s foreign ministry also accused Russia of religious oppression in occupied territories, where hundreds of churches have been destroyed, and some clergy members have been killed since the start of the war.

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