Pope Leo XIV holds phone talks with Russian President Putin

Pope Leo the 14th and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held phone talks on Wednesday, with the war in Ukraine part of their discussion.

According to the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Pope and Putin discussed humanitarian issues, as well as the need for aid where necessary.

The Pope called for a "gesture" from Moscow that would "favor peace," stressing the need for dialogue to create "positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict."

The Pope and the Russian President also discussed ongoing efforts for prisoner exchanges.