While currently recovering in the hospital following lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV initiated a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to advocate for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. Located in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine, the city is currently facing a critical humanitarian situation.
The Vatican reported that the Pope expressed his profound concern regarding conditions in the city, where approximately 2,000 civilians are in urgent need of humanitarian support. The pontiff requested a truce to facilitate the delivery of essential food and medical supplies, as well as to establish safe, voluntary evacuation routes for the local population.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, confirmed that the Holy Father took the initiative personally to plead the case for the besieged city. Expressing his hopes for the outcome of the appeal, Cardinal Parolin stated, "I hope that when faced with a request from the Holy Father, President Putin will agree to implement what has been asked of him."
Russian news agencies reported that President Vladimir Putin responded by thanking Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine and for his humanitarian initiatives. The Russian leader also extended well wishes for the Pope’s recovery following his recent medical procedure.
This marks the second time the two leaders have communicated directly. Their previous telephone conversation took place on 4 June 2025, less than a month after the election of Pope Leo XIV. In contrast, Pope Francis had not spoken with President Putin since 17 December 2021, and his subsequent efforts to establish contact following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 were not successful.
