Photo: RBC
Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation on October 16, discussing the humanitarian crisis in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region, the Holy See Press Office said.
During the call, the Pope expressed deep concern about the situation in Oleshky and called for a ceasefire to allow food and medical supplies to reach residents and enable the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.
“The Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace,” the Vatican said.
Putin called the Pope while he was recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery for lung cancer. Doctors confirmed that the Pope had lung adenocarcinoma after removing the lower lobe of his right lung.
Oleshky remains in a severe humanitarian crisis amid ongoing hostilities and restricted access to the occupied city. Residents face difficulties obtaining food and medicine, while humanitarian deliveries and civilian evacuations remain extremely challenging.
This was the second reported telephone conversation between Pope Leo XIV and Putin. The two previously spoke on June 4, 2025. Pope Francis last spoke with Putin on December 17, 2021, before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
