Pope Leo, French president discuss efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, Gaza

LONDON

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he discussed with Pope Leo XIV efforts to end conflicts, especially to reach peace in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

"We discussed the efforts needed to silence weapons wherever conflicts are raging around the world, in particular to achieve a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine and Gaza," Macron wrote on X, saying he spoke for the first time with the new pope.

Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the new pope last week, taking the name Leo XIV -- the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

Congratulating the pope, Macron said they share the ambition to coordinate the fight against poverty with the protection of the planet.

The French president added they will stand with those who work for peace and dialogue between peoples.