Pope Leo XIV calls on Russia and Ukraine to stop the “spiral of violence” and move to dialogue

Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and called on the parties to turn to diplomacy.

The pontiff made the statement after Sunday prayers, Vatican News reports.

Leo XIV noted that “tragic episodes” are not only continuing but multiplying, leading to a growing number of civilian casualties. The pontiff called on the parties to observe international humanitarian law and to halt attacks that harm civilians.

“The time has come to stop the spiral of violence and make room for diplomacy and dialogue, paving the way to peace,” the pope said.

Russian authorities have repeatedly stated their openness to negotiations with Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has referred to the agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine during the Istanbul talks as a foundation for further dialogue.

Speaking about the conditions for a ceasefire and the start of negotiations, Putin stated in 2024 that these included a commitment by Ukraine not to join military alliances and its non-nuclear status, the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Luhansk People’s Republic, and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, international recognition of those regions, Crimea, and Sevastopol as part of Russia, as well as the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has repeatedly emphasized that strikes are carried out only against military and energy facilities in Ukraine and the infrastructure associated with them.