Pope Leo XIV right after surgery asked Putin to cease fire in Oleshky for evacuation of civilians

Pope Leo XIV on October 16 during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin asked for a ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson region. As the Vatican reported, a pause in hostilities is needed for the delivery of food and medicine, as well as voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.

The conversation took place while the pontiff is recovering after surgery at the Gemelli clinic in Rome.

The Pope separately raised the humanitarian situation in Oleshky

According to the Holy See press office, Leo XIV expressed “deep concern over the difficult humanitarian situation” in the city.

The pontiff called for a ceasefire that would allow the delivery of food and medical aid, as well as organize voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population.

At the end of the conversation, Leo XIV once again confirmed the Holy See's readiness to facilitate dialogue and peace.

Oleshky is located on the left bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region and remains under Russian occupation. The city is in immediate proximity to the combat zone.

Moscow also confirmed the conversation

The Kremlin confirmed Putin's phone contact with the Pope. As reported by Associated Press, the Russian side expressed readiness to coordinate humanitarian efforts regarding the civilian population with the Vatican.

At the same time, neither the Vatican nor the Russian side reported on the agreement of a specific ceasefire in the Oleshky area, its timing or conditions as of the publication.

Thus, for now the matter concerns Leo XIV's call for a humanitarian pause, not an already reached armistice agreement.

The call took place during the Pope's recovery after surgery

Leo XIV is at the Gemelli clinic in Rome after right lung surgery performed on October 13.

On October 16, his doctors reported that the pontiff's condition continues to improve. Post-operative recovery now allows him to independently perform ordinary daily activities.

Despite hospitalization, the Pope continues to perform part of his duties and conduct working contacts.

This is the second telephone conversation between Leo XIV and Putin. The first time since the pontiff's election they spoke on June 4, 2025, when they also discussed the war in Ukraine, humanitarian aid and possible paths to a peaceful settlement.

Based on materials from: Vatican News, Associated Press.