Pope Leo XIV Calls Putin From Hospital, Urges Truce in Oleshky
The pope, recovering from lung surgery, asked Russia for a ceasefire to allow aid and civilian evacuations in the Ukrainian city.
KEY POINTS
- Pope Leo XIV called Vladimir Putin from Gemelli Hospital on October 16
- The pope requested a ceasefire in Oleshky to allow aid and civilian evacuations
- He underwent lung surgery on October 13 to remove a tumor caused by adenocarcinoma
- The pope is 71 years old and is showing steady improvement
- The Kremlin said Putin explained Kiev's responsibility for the crisis and wished the pope a recovery
Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Friday, October 16, while recovering from lung surgery. The pontiff, who had part of a lung removed on Tuesday, October 13 due to adenocarcinoma, requested a truce in Oleshky, Kherson region.
During the call, the pope expressed deep concern over the severe humanitarian crisis in Oleshky and asked for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical aid, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the population.
“The pope expressed his deep concern for the grave humanitarian crisis in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region.”
Medical bulletins report a steady improvement in the pope's condition, and he has regained his autonomy. The Vatican released photos of him celebrating mass in a tenth-floor hospital room, wearing a green chasuble.
The Kremlin stated that a detailed explanation was provided regarding the responsibility of the Kiev regime for the humanitarian situation. Putin also wished the pope a speedy recovery and highlighted the importance of cooperation between Russia and the Vatican.
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