Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV, the Kremlin press service reported.
According to the report, Putin congratulated the Pope on his election and wished him success in fulfilling such a high mission.
"Both sides noted the significant personal contribution of Pope Francis to strengthening relations between Russia and the Holy See. An agreement was reached to continue efforts to further develop these ties based on unifying spiritual and moral values to build a more just world order. A mutual desire was expressed to deepen cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres and in the protection of Christians and Christian holy places in different regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East.
At the request of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Vladimir Putin conveyed to Pope Leo XIV his wishes for success in his pastoral ministry. The Pope favored continuing the critical dialogue between the two sister churches.
During the exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin confirmed his interest in achieving peace through political and diplomatic means. He emphasized that eliminating the crisis's root causes is necessary for a final, just, and comprehensive resolution.
In the context of the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul, the Russian President reported on the specific agreements reached during the second stage on the exchange of prisoners of war and the bodies of the dead. It was emphasized that the Russian side is taking all possible measures to reunite children with their relatives.
Putin expressed gratitude to the Pope for his willingness to contribute to resolving the crisis, particularly for the Vatican's participation in depoliticizing urgent humanitarian issues.
Vladimir Putin drew special attention to the fact that the Kyiv regime is betting on an escalation of the conflict and is carrying out sabotage against civilian infrastructure facilities on Russian territory. It was emphasized that the deliberate and targeted attack on civilians carried out by the Ukrainian side the other day is classified as terrorism under international law.
In connection with the Kyiv authorities' well-known line on the liquidation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Russian President expressed hope that the Holy See will more actively protect freedom of religion in Ukraine. The conversation was constructive, and both sides expressed their intention to continue contact, according to the statement.
