Pope urges Russia, Ukraine to find 'courage' for direct talks

VATICAN CITY — 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 U.S. negotiators about proposals to end the conflict started in February 2022 by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.