Pope Leo Urges Putin for Ceasefire in Oleshky Amid Cancer Recovery

Pope Leo XIV, recovering from lung cancer surgery, has initiated a direct phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to demand an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The Vatican stated that the Pope expressed "deep concern" regarding the grave humanitarian crisis in the Kherson region, where approximately 2,000 civilians remain trapped without food, medicine, or safe evacuation routes Source: CNN.

During the conversation, Putin provided what he termed "comprehensive explanations" blaming the Kyiv regime for the situation. However, the Kremlin also stated that Russia supports the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions for resident safety and supply delivery, agreeing to cooperate on humanitarian efforts Source: Meduza. This marks the second telephone contact between the two leaders since Leo’s election, highlighting the Pontiff’s continued diplomatic engagement despite his hospitalization.

The urgency of the appeal is underscored by reports of constant drone attacks leaving residents without electricity or adequate medical care, with some unable even to bury the dead Source: Meduza. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State, emphasized that the Pope took the initiative to plead this specific case. Parolin publicly urged Putin to act on these requests, stating, "I hope that faced with a request from the Holy Father... President Putin agrees to implement what the Pope asked of him" Source: Euronews.

While Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately creating a humanitarian catastrophe, the Kremlin’s statement suggests a willingness to engage with Vatican mediation for aid delivery, though no immediate truce has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Pope’s health remains a focal point; he celebrated Mass in his hospital chapel on Friday, showing "steady improvement" and autonomy in movement, though post-operative tests to confirm if he is cancer-free are pending Source: CNN. US President Donald Trump also reached out via the Pope’s brother to convey best wishes for his recovery.