In his first conversation since ascending to the papacy last month, Pope Leo XIV has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace with Ukraine. The American pope expressed this sentiment in their recent phone call.

After their conversation on Wednesday, the Vatican reported that Pope Leo XIV stressed the “importance of dialogue.” However, it remains uncertain if he specifically encouraged Putin to have direct talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, something the Russian leader has so far not been willing to do.

In addition to these matters, the discussion between the two leaders touched on humanitarian concerns, prisoner swaps, and aid efforts. Nevertheless, Putin seemingly accused Kyiv of “escalating” the conflict during their call.

An explosion is seen Tuesday, June 3, along the Kerch Bridge linking Russia and Crimea. (APTN/Ukrainian Security Service)

The attack reportedly prompted Putin to question the value of peace talks, though the Kremlin has already been accused of failing to participate in ceasefire attempts in good faith as it continues to pound Ukrainian cities with drone and missile strikes. 

In a readout of the call, the Kremlin also apparently called on the Vatican to “take a more active role” in advocating for religious freedoms in Ukraine when it comes to members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historic links to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends Orthodox Easter Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on April 24, 2022, in Moscow. (Getty Images)

Criminal proceedings have been levied by Ukrainian authorities against clergy members over suspected sympathies for Moscow.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry in April also accused Russia of religious oppression in occupied territories, where hundreds of churches have been destroyed, and some 67 clergy members killed since the start of the war.