Pope Leo XIV calls Vladimir Putin to request ceasefire in Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to urge a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in southern Ukraine. Euronews, the South China Morning Post, Meduza, and Ukrinform all reported that the conversation took place while the pontiff was recovering in hospital following surgery. The Vatican stated that the Pope expressed deep concern regarding the severe humanitarian situation in the city, which is located in the Kherson region. [1][3][10][11]

According to Euronews, the Vatican requested a pause in fighting to permit the delivery of medical assistance and food to trapped residents. The statement added that the ceasefire would also allow for the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, confirmed that the appeal was made directly to the Russian leader. [1]

The phone call coincided with the Pope celebrating his first Mass since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. France 24, Euronews, and Vatican images showed the 71-year-old Chicago-born pontiff conducting the service in front of a makeshift altar on the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli Hospital. According to the Guardian, surgeons performed a lobectomy on Tuesday to remove the lower part of his lung after a routine check revealed a small growth. [1][2][4][6]

Doctors at the hospital reported that the pontiff's post-operative recovery is progressing normally and that he is in good spirits. France 24 noted that further medical tests will determine if the cancer has spread. Al Jazeera and Euronews reported that medical staff have permitted the Pope to carry out normal daily activities with full independence, and he is expected to make a public appearance on Sunday. [2][4][5]

Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian friar who previously served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and as the bishop of Chiclayo in Peru. Since the beginning of his pontificate, he has emphasised a renewed focus on the documents of the Second Vatican Council to guide the Catholic Church through contemporary global challenges. [12]