Certainly! Here’s a clearer and more polished rewrite of the passage, maintaining its factual tone while enhancing flow and structure:
Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace in First Call With President Putin Since Election
On June 4, Pope Leo XIV held his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since becoming pontiff, focusing on the war in Ukraine and the broader need for peace.
During the call, the Pope urged Putin to take meaningful steps toward ending the conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian toll and the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
While the Vatican typically keeps such communications confidential, it confirmed the call and shared some of the key issues discussed. These included humanitarian concerns, the exchange of prisoners, and the ongoing peace initiatives led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope’s special envoy.
According to reports, Putin deflected responsibility, blaming Ukraine for escalating the conflict and stressing the importance of addressing what he called the “root causes” of the war rather than focusing solely on ceasefire terms.
This outreach by Pope Leo XIV comes amid a broader wave of international diplomacy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also revealed he had recently spoken with Putin, though he acknowledged their discussion did not result in any concrete progress.
The Pope’s call highlights the Vatican’s active role in global peace efforts, particularly in conflict zones. While the immediate impact of the conversation remains uncertain, it represents a significant moment in the Church’s diplomatic engagement with Russia.
