Pope urges humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky in call with Russian President
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.
The Holy See Press Office released a statement on Friday afternoon, saying that Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
“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,” said the statement.
“Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace,” it concluded.
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Pope Leo has been in Gemelli Hospital since Tuesday when he underwent an operation which removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
He previously spoke by phone with President Putin on June 4, 2025. The city of Oleshky lies along the frontline of the Russian-occupied Kherson region, on the banks of the Dnieper River.
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