World Surprised as US Pope Talks Secret Plans With Putin About War
Pope Leo and President Putin Talk About Peace
The Vatican said that Pope Leo had a phone call with Vladimir Putin yesterday. People were very interested to hear about this talk. Pope Leo is the first American pope. He spoke with President Putin on Wednesday, June 4. They talked about the war between Russia and Ukraine.
It is not normal for the Vatican to talk about the pope’s phone calls. But this time, they wanted everyone to know. Pope Leo asked President Putin to try to bring peace and to help stop the war. The pope cares a lot about peace in Ukraine. It is one of the most important things to him right now.
The Kremlin, which is the Russian government, also said the talk happened. They said President Putin liked that the pope wanted to help end the war. This was the first time Pope Leo and President Putin talked since Pope Leo became the head of the Catholic Church.
Hopes for Peace in Ukraine
A statement from the Vatican said: "The pope made an appeal for Russia to make a gesture that favors peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue for achieving positive contacts between the parties and seeking solutions to the conflict." The pope and Putin also talked about people who need help because of the war. They spoke about giving aid to those in need. They talked about trading prisoners and how important it is to exchange them. The pope said that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has been working hard for peace. Cardinal Zuppi is from Bologna, Italy. He is the Vatican’s special helper for Ukraine.
A report from Reuters said that the Kremlin told the pope that Ukraine was making the war worse. The Kremlin said: "The Kyiv regime is banking on escalating the conflict and is carrying out sabotage against civilian infrastructure sites on Russian territory." The Kremlin also said that the “root causes” of the war must be fixed. They want Ukraine to stay neutral and for NATO not to move closer to Russia.
President Trump’s Call With Putin
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said he also had a phone call with President Putin. They talked for 75 minutes about the war in Ukraine. President Trump talked about a drone attack by Ukraine on Russian airplanes. He said: "We discussed the attack on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace."
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Some people think the war might get worse after the recent attacks. But others hope that talking will help bring peace.
Pope Leo’s Views on New Technology
Pope Leo has talked about more than just the war. He has warned people about artificial intelligence, or AI. He said that workers’ rights must be protected as AI grows. Some people think AI is exciting. Others are worried it could take jobs from people.
Many smart people have talked about AI. Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates have warned people about it. Elon Musk uses AI in his businesses. But Pope Leo is worried about what AI might do.
Pope Leo’s Background and Concerns
Pope Leo became pope earlier this month. His real name is Robert Francis Prevost. He was born in Chicago. He became pope on May 8 and chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
In his first weeks as pope, he called for peace in Ukraine. He also asked for a ceasefire in Gaza and help for people there. He was happy about peace between India and Pakistan, too.
The pope said the Church should help workers and protect their rights. He said: "In our own day, the Church offers everyone the treasury of its social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor."
Pope Leo’s Chosen Name and Inspiration
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Pope Leo said he picked his name from Pope Leo XIII. That pope wrote a letter in 1891 about how the first industrial revolution hurt workers. The new pope thinks the rise of AI is a lot like that old time.
He said: "In our own day, the church offers everyone the treasury of its social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour." He also talked about Pope Francis, who served with kindness and trusted God. Pope Leo wants to follow his example.
A Family’s Big Surprise
Robert Prevost became pope on May 8. He is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Some people were surprised. But his family remembers that he always wanted to serve God.
Pope Leo’s brother, John, is a retired school principal. He lives in New Lenox, Illinois. He said the news was shocking. He found out when everyone else did. He said: “It was a shocking moment. I was on the phone with my niece and we both couldn’t believe it. Then the phone, the iPad and my cellphone just went nuts.”
John said that his brother wanted to be a priest since he was little. A neighbor once said he would be pope someday. That prediction came true!
Choosing the Name Leo
Pope Leo talked to his brother about what name he should use if he became pope. John told him not to choose Leo because he thought it would be the 13th Leo. But Pope Leo checked and saw he would be the 14th.
John said he has not tried to call his brother yet. He knows Pope Leo is very busy now. John said it is very emotional for him. He has not had time to cry or really think about it yet. He said: “I haven’t had time to cry yet. I think when I’m alone and can gather my thoughts about all this it will hit me. So far, there’s been no time to react.”
Cardinals Welcome the New Pope
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Video from the Vatican shows how the Cardinals acted when Robert Prevost became pope. The video was shared by Vatican News. It shows Pope Leo hugging many Cardinals as they congratulated him.
The video shows the 69-year-old Pope Leo leaving the Sistine Chapel. He stopped to pray alone. Because he was born in Chicago, Pope Leo is the first American to ever be pope.
Before this, he was Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023. He also led the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
People Share Their Feelings
Many people on social media talked about the video. One person wrote: “A moving display of unity and humility—may Pope Leo XIV’s embrace of his fellow Cardinals guide his pontificate in service and brotherhood.”
Another said: “A powerful moment of fraternity and grace within the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate not with fanfare, but with embrace…echoing Christ who came to serve, not to be served.”
Another person said: “A moment of profound unity and humility. May Pope Leo XIV’s papacy be marked by the same grace and fellowship shown in this first act of embrace.”
Someone else wrote: “For me as a Catholic… even if I’m not at church every Sunday, anyway I’m really happy today to see our Pope… I have good feelings about our Pope. World and USA need new hope and teacher who will unite us all together.”
Pope Leo’s First Words as Pope
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Pope Leo went to the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica to give his first speech as pope. He said his first words: ‘May peace be with all of you’.
He called for peace, love, and talking to each other. He spoke about the old pope, Pope Francis. Pope Leo said: “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing. Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.”
He thanked the Cardinals who chose him. He said: “Thank you to my cardinal brothers who chose me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.”
President Trump and President Putin Exchange Strong Words
President Donald Trump posted online about President Putin. He called him “crazy.” Relations between the U.S. and Russia have not been good.
On May 24, Russia attacked Ukraine at night. Ukraine said 298 drones and 69 missiles were fired. Many people were hurt and at least 12 died, including three children.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social on May 26: "I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” He added: “He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers. Missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever. I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Some people agreed with President Trump. One said: “Thank you Mr. President. Praying for peace.” Another wrote: “Lord Jesus, I ask that you would give President Trump great wisdom to deal with Vladimir Putin. And I pray for peace.”
Putin Responds to Trump’s Comments
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President Putin did not ignore Trump’s remarks. He answered back. A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said: “We are really grateful to the Americans and to President Trump personally for their assistance in organizing and launching this negotiation process. Of course, at the same time, this is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.”
Trump also criticized President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. He wrote: “Likewise, President Zelenskyy is doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop. This is a War that would never have started if I were President. This is Zelenskyy’s, Putin’s, and Biden’s War, not ‘Trump’s,’ I am only helping to put out the big and ugly fires, that have been started through Gross Incompetence and Hatred.”
No one knows what will happen next with peace talks. But the strong words from both leaders have made many people pay attention.
What Pope Leo Wants for the World
Pope Leo wants peace, not just in Ukraine, but everywhere. He wants people to talk to each other and help each other. He worries about new technology like AI, but he hopes the Church can protect people and help them find justice and fair jobs.
He tells everyone to work together for peace. He says that love, kindness, and talking are the best ways to solve problems. Many people hope that Pope Leo, as the first American pope, will be able to help bring the world together.
Looking to the Future
The world is watching what Pope Leo will do. He has already shown he cares deeply about people everywhere. He wants peace in Ukraine, rights for workers, and help for everyone in need.
Many are excited to see what changes he will bring. As the first American pope, he brings new hope to many people. He is ready to lead with love and care.
People hope that by working together, leaders and regular people can make the world a kinder, more peaceful place. Pope Leo says we must all try to build bridges and help one another.
“May peace be with all of you,” Pope Leo said in his first speech. Everyone hopes those words will come true soon.
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