Pope urges Russia, Ukraine to find 'courage' for direct talks
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Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Russia and Ukraine to find the "courage" for "sincere, direct and respectful dialogue", following weeks of intense international diplomacy to end the nearly four-year war.
"May the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue," Leo said in a Christmas blessing.
In recent weeks, Russian and Ukrainian officials have spoken separately to US negotiators about proposals to end the conflict started by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
