Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone this Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed to him his concern about the humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshki, Ukraine, while asking him for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of aid.
According to the Vatican Press Office in a text published today, during the conversation "the Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshki, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire that would allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population."
Likewise, during his dialogue with Putin, Leo XIV "reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace," according to the Vatican statement.
Speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pope Leo XIV expresses his "deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region," and calls for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.https://t.co/HTdCfTYhwr
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 16, 2026
The Russian leader, for his part, offered the Pontiff "detailed explanations about the responsibility of the Kyiv regime for the difficult humanitarian situation that has arisen" in Oleshki.
"The Vatican's intention to contribute to creating conditions that guarantee … was supported
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WorldIn a phone call, the Pontiff conveyed to the Russian leader his concern about the situation in the Ukrainian town of Oleshky and "reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace." Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Archive. CommentsPope Leo XIV spoke by phone this Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveying his concern about the humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky, Ukraine, while asking him for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of aid. As reported by the Vatican Press Office in a text published today, 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 that would allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population." Likewise, during his dialogue with Putin, Leo XIV "reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace," according to the Vatican statement. Speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pope Leo XIV expresses his "deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region," and calls for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.https://t.co/HTdCfTYhwr— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) October 16, 2026
The Russian leader, for his part, offered the Pontiff "exhaustive explanations about the responsibility of the Kyiv regime for the difficult humanitarian situation that has been created" in Oleshky."Support was expressed for the Vatican's intention to contribute to creating conditions that guarantee the security of the city's population and the organization of vital supplies. Collaboration on this matter was agreed upon," the Kremlin stated. In its official statement, the Russian government also highlighted the "constructive atmosphere of mutual respect" of the conversation. Putin likewise wished the Pope a speedy recovery and thanked him "for his willingness to contribute to the resolution of the conflict" in Ukraine. The Russian leader also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Moscow and the Holy See to "promote the values that unite us and protect Christians" throughout the world. The call took place three days after the Pontiff underwent surgery for a malignant tumor in his lung. He is currently hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for his recovery and is progressing positively, according to the latest medical report. More on:Pope Leo XIVVladimir PutinPhone callOleshkyUkraineCeasefireVaticanWorld