The Russian Ambassador stated that there is a potential for dialogue between Russia and the Vatican.

The potential for dialogue between Russia and the Vatican is still relevant, including cooperation on tense international issues. This was stated on May 16 by the Russian Ambassador to the Vatican, Ivan Soltanovsky, after he met with Pope Leo XIV for the first time during an audience with the heads of diplomatic missions.

"The potential of the Russian-Vatican dialogue remains solid, the main thing is the mutual desire to work on converting potential energy into kinetic energy," TASS quoted him as saying.

He believes that the Pope plans to maintain a course aimed at promoting peace, dialogue, church freedom, and family values. Soltanovsky also said that Russia expects to continue cooperation with the Vatican, including on the conflict in Ukraine.

The High Priest from across the sea: an American has become the new Pope

Robert Francis Prevost took the name Leo XIV.

Earlier, on May 10, it was reported that the Vatican presented the coat of arms of the new pope. The pontiff's motto is rooted in the Augustinian tradition.: "In Illo uno unum" — "In the One we are one."

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States was elected the new pope on May 8. He became the first American cardinal with Latin American roots, prefect of the dicastery for Bishops, and a representative of the Augustinian Order. As pontiff, he took the name Leo XIV.