Pope of Rome, Putin discuss Ukraine conflict settlement, humanitarian affairs - Vatican

ROME. June 5 (Interfax) - Pope Leo XIV declared the importance of continuing Ukraine peace talks in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Vatican press service said on Wednesday evening.

"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 the Ukraine crisis context, the sides "discussed the humanitarian situation, as well as the need to facilitate aid where necessary," Bruni said, adding that they "also discussed the ongoing efforts for prisoner exchanges."

Leo XIV and Putin addressed issues of mutual interest, Bruni said.

According to the Vatican, Leo XIV asked Putin to convey his graduate to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia for congratulating him on being elected pontiff.

In the end, the pontiff "underlined how shared Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life, and pursue genuine religious freedom," Bruni said.