Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to comply with truce in besieged Ukrainian metropolis of Oleshky
Pope Leo XIV spoke by cellphone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, calling for a ceasefire in a Russian-occupied metropolis in southern Ukraine whereas recovering in hospital from lung most cancers surgical procedure.
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The Vatican stated that Pope Leo “expressed his deep concern in regards to the grave humanitarian state of affairs within the metropolis of Oleshky, within the Kherson area, and referred to as for a ceasefire to permit the supply of meals and medical help, and the voluntary and protected evacuation of the civilian inhabitants”.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated it was “the Holy Father who took the initiative” to name Russian President Vladimir Putin “to plead the case of this besieged metropolis, the place round 2,000 civilians want protected routes out and humanitarian corridors.”
“I consider the Pope requested for a truce to permit each the supply of humanitarian assist, particularly meals, and the evacuation of those that should go away town.”
“I hope,” added Parolin, “that when confronted with a request from the Holy Father, President Putin will comply with implement what has been requested of him.”
According to an announcement reported by Russian information businesses, President Vladimir Putin thanked Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to assist resolve the unrest in Ukraine and for his humanitarian initiatives. He additionally wished the Pope a speedy restoration following his current surgical procedure.
Previous contacts between Moscow and the Vatican
This is the second time Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken.
The two leaders beforehand held a phone dialog on 4 June 2025, lower than a month after Leo XIV’s election.
Pope Francis final spoke with Putin on 17 December 2021, his birthday. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, nevertheless, his makes an attempt to determine direct contact with the Russian president had been unsuccessful.
