The Russian TASS agency emphasized that this was Vladimir Putin's first conversation with Pope Leon XIV.
The Kremlin's press service reported that Putin congratulated Robert Francis Prevost to choose the Pope and “wished him success in fulfilling such an important mission.”
The leader of Russia and Pope Leon XIV during a telephone conversation agreed to deepen the cooperation in defense of Christians, especially in the Middle East – says the Russian agency TASS.
The Pope and Putin talked about the situation in Ukraine
“Both sides drew attention to the great personal contribution of Pope Francis in strengthening relations between Russia and the Holy See” – informs the Kremlin's press service.
Vladimir Putin and Leon XIV also talked about the situation in Ukraine. “Vladimir Putin confirmed that he cares about achieving peace with political and diplomatic means and emphasized that in order to achieve the final, fair and comprehensive solution to the crisis, its basic causes should be eliminated,” said the Kremlin.
The Russian leader also informed the Pope about the arrangements achieved during the second round of talks of the delegation of Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul.
The Kremlin's press service reported that Putin expressed gratitude to the Pope for “readiness to help in solving the crisis.”
