As the world watches with bated breath, it is becoming ever clearer that Pope Leo XIV is keen on taking a proactive approach in the quest for peace, diverging markedly from the more measured style of his predecessor, Francis.
Today’s noteworthy evidence of this shift was a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin—a move that could easily lead to social media backlash and calls for cancellation from certain circles.
Yet, US-born Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, appears unfazed by the potential backlash, hinting that his papacy may unfold in unexpected ways.
Sputnik reported:
“In his conversation with the Pope, at the request of Patriarch Kirill, Putin conveyed his wishes for success in pastoral service.
The Pontiff expressed support for continuing the important dialogue between the two sister churches.
Putin, during his exchange with the Pope, reaffirmed his commitment to seeking peace in Ukraine through political and diplomatic avenues.
The Russian leader also thanked the Pontiff for his willingness to help resolve the ongoing crisis.”
In a rather ironic twist, Putin urged the Holy See to adopt a more vigorous stance against religious persecution in Ukraine.
Catholic News Agency reported:
“’The Pope made an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favor peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict’, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said in a statement.
[…] ‘Pope Leo made reference to Patriarch Kirill, thanking him for the congratulations received at the beginning of his pontificate, and underlined how shared Christian values can illuminate the path to peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom’, Bruni added.”
Pope Leo XIV’s interaction with Putin follows closely on the heels of his initial discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12, marking a notable attempt at balanced diplomacy.
Read more:
Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated Calling for Unity, for Church To Become ‘Force for Peace in the World’ – Gets Emotional When Receiving Fisherman’s Ring (VIDEOS)
