Pope Calls on Putin for Ceasefire to Save Residents of Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire in the area of the occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region. The pontiff proposed a temporary halt to hostilities to allow the delivery of food and medicine, as well as the safe evacuation of civilians.

This was reported on October 16 by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, citing an official statement from the Holy See.

The phone conversation took place in the afternoon on the initiative of the Russian president. Putin called Leo XIV, who is at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after undergoing surgery.

According to the Vatican's statement, the main topic of the conversation was the critical humanitarian situation in Oleshky — a city on the left bank of the Dnieper that is under Russian occupation.

"During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed deep concern over the severe humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, calling for a ceasefire that would allow the delivery of food and medical aid, as well as ensure the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population," — the Holy See's statement reads.

The pontiff also reaffirmed the Vatican's readiness to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving peace.

Putin's reaction to the humanitarian ceasefire proposal is not mentioned in the published statement. There is currently no information about any agreements reached.

The situation in Oleshky remains dire due to hostilities and limited access to humanitarian aid. Residents of the occupied city face shortages of food, medicine, and opportunities for safe exit.

In late September, the Oleshky issue was discussed during a trip to Moscow by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the pope's special representative for humanitarian affairs.

The cardinal held talks with representatives of the Russian authorities, including the human rights commissioner. The parties discussed possible mechanisms to assist the civilian population, ensure the safety of residents, and organize evacuation.

During the same trip, Zuppi visited the detention facility for Ukrainian prisoners of war and met with some of them. The Vatican continues to work on prisoner exchanges, the return of civilians, and the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families.

This phone conversation was the second direct contact between Leo XIV and Vladimir Putin. They first spoke on June 4, 2025, shortly after the new pontiff's election.

At that time, the pope called on the Russian leadership to take concrete steps conducive to peace and stressed the need for direct dialogue to seek a diplomatic solution to the war.

In addition to its humanitarian activities, the Vatican remains ready to act as a mediator in possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Leo XIV has repeatedly stated the need for a just and lasting peace and expressed willingness to provide a venue for diplomatic contacts.

Based on materials from: Corriere della Sera, Vatican News.