Leo XIV calls on Putin and Zelensky to “sit down at the negotiating table”

Pope Leo XIV has called on the presidents of Russia and Ukraine to begin negotiations.

His words were delivered at a speech in the French city of Metz and are cited by the portal Do Rzeczy.

“Therefore, we continue to invite the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table, to enter into dialogue and to seek solutions without continuing wars. We cannot force anyone. Sometimes it may seem that our efforts are meaningless, but we will continue to speak out, to invite dialogue and to raise our voice,” Leo XIV said.

The pontiff also outlined a broader role for the Church: he said it should promote human dignity, uphold the value of life, and work toward the allocation of greater resources for healthcare.

In his speech, Leo XIV referenced Schuman’s words that there will be no peace on earth unless efforts are made “commensurate with the dangers that threaten it.” The Pope called on people not to fall into the illusion that rearmament is the answer to existing threats, and described the promotion of peace as an “active task.”

It was previously reported when the pope’s special envoy would visit Moscow.