Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin while recovering in the hospital, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to enable the delivery of aid and the safe evacuation of civilians.
“During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pope Leo called Russian President Vladimir Putin while recovering from lung surgery to discuss Ukraine. (Vatican Media via AP; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The situation in Oleshky is dire, with no humanitarian food deliveries permitted since May. The city lacks electricity, gas, and running water, and its hospital is barely functional.
The Vatican on Friday shared pictures of the pope celebrating the Roman Catholic Mass in the hospital where he is recovering. (EV/Vatican Media/ Abaca/Sipa USA/Sipa via AP Images)
Pope Leo underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung cancer. His medical team reported “continued improvement,” noting he is able to carry out daily activities independently.
A man holds a placard last month that says, “Mass starvation in occupied Oleshky. Americans! Make Russia agree to a humanitarian corridor” as he demonstrates outside Kyiv City Hall amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP via Getty Images)
The pope marked a significant milestone in his recovery by celebrating Mass in the hospital chapel. He is expected to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday and proceed with planned travels to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru beginning November 6.
The Kremlin acknowledged the dire conditions in Oleshky, stating that Putin provided the pope with a detailed explanation regarding what it described as the Kyiv regime’s responsibility for the humanitarian crisis. The Kremlin also expressed support for the Vatican’s efforts to ensure civilian safety and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
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