Pope Leo XIV contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from surgery, to call for a ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine.
The Vatican said the pope voiced profound concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, a city in the Kherson region. He urged an immediate pause in fighting so food and medical aid could reach residents and civilians could leave safely and voluntarily.
The Holy Father also reiterated the Holy See’s dedication to supporting dialogue and working toward peace, according to the Vatican statement.
Pope Leo spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin while recuperating from lung surgery, with the war in Ukraine at the center of their discussion. (Vatican Media via AP; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Conditions in Oleshky have become increasingly desperate. The Russian-controlled city has reportedly received no humanitarian food shipments since May, while residents remain without electricity, gas or running water. The local hospital is also operating only at a limited capacity.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
He remained hospitalized Friday as he continued his recovery, though his condition appeared stable and positive.
In addition to speaking with Putin, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in a temporary chapel at the hospital. The Vatican also published the first photographs of him since the operation, showing him standing at the altar.
The Vatican released photographs Friday showing Pope Leo celebrating Roman Catholic Mass inside the hospital where he is recuperating. (EV/Vatican Media/ Abaca/Sipa USA/Sipa via AP Images)
Doctors treating the pope reported that he was making “continued improvement.”
A medical bulletin signed by his personal doctor, Luigi Carbone, and Gemelli’s thoracic surgery chief, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said his postoperative progress had advanced enough for him to complete his regular daily activities without assistance.
Pope Leo is expected to lead his customary Angelus prayer on Sunday, either from the hospital or from the Vatican.
A demonstrator outside Kyiv City Hall last month holds a sign reading, “Mass starvation in occupied Oleshky. Americans! Make Russia agree to a humanitarian corridor,” amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP via Getty Images)
Despite his hospitalization, he is still scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru beginning Nov. 6.
The Kremlin has placed responsibility for Oleshky’s humanitarian crisis on Ukraine. It said Putin gave Pope Leo a “detailed explanation regarding the Kyiv regime’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation” in the city.
The Kremlin also said Putin backed the Vatican’s effort to help establish conditions that would protect local residents and enable essential supplies to be delivered.
