Pope Francis discussed ceasefire with Zelensky after conversation with Putin
Pope Francis Leo XIV held a phone conversation with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on October 19, three days after talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The main topic of negotiations was the humanitarian situation in the occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast and the possibility of a temporary ceasefire to provide assistance to the civilian population.
This was reported by the Holy See Press Office.
During the conversation, the pontiff expressed serious concern about the situation of Oleshky residents, who find themselves in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. He reminded Zelensky of his appeal to Putin to declare a humanitarian ceasefire.
Leo XIV expressed hope that cooperation between Ukraine and Russia would allow for the delivery of food and medicine to the town, as well as ensure the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.
The Pope also confirmed the Vatican's readiness to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing dialogue and achieving peace.
What Pope Francis discussed with Putin
The pontiff's previous phone conversation with the Russian president took place on October 16, when Leo XIV was at Rome's Gemelli clinic.
At that time, the Pope called on Putin to agree to a temporary cessation of hostilities in the Oleshky area in order to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of the population.
According to Vatican News, the pontiff himself initiated the conversation. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed hope that the Russian president would agree to fulfill the request.
However, there is no official confirmation yet of any ceasefire agreements or the opening of a humanitarian corridor.
Severe humanitarian situation persists in Oleshky
Oleshky is located on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast and is under Russian occupation.
According to Ukrainian authorities, about two thousand civilians remain in the town, including approximately 50 children. People are experiencing severe shortages of food, drinking water, medicine, and access to medical care.
Evacuation of the population is complicated by destroyed transport infrastructure, mined roads, and ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of obstructing the organization of humanitarian corridors. Moscow, in turn, places responsibility for the current situation on Ukraine.
The Vatican considers the possibility of delivering aid and safely evacuating civilians as a priority humanitarian task.
The current conversation became another contact between Leo XIV and Volodymyr Zelensky. Previously, they repeatedly discussed ending the war, releasing prisoners of war, and returning Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
The published statement from the Holy See did not include Zelensky's response to the Humanitarian Ceasefire Proposal. Nor was any agreement reported on specific dates for delivery of aid or evacuation of Oleshky residents.
Sources: Vatican News, Holy See Press Office.
