Pope Leo urges immediate ceasefire in Oleshky during call with Putin
Pope Leo called Russian President Vladimir Putin from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 16, 2026, urging an immediate ceasefire in the Russian‑occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow food, medical aid and a safe evacuation of civilians.
The Holy See Press Office said the pontiff expressed deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in Oleshky, a frontline town in the Kherson region that has been without reliable power, water or heating since the occupation began. Residents face dangerous, mined roads and have not received a food delivery since May, according to a Reuters report dated Oct. 8.
In the conversation, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to dialogue and peace, and called on both sides to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies. Russia has publicly acknowledged critical shortages of food and medical provisions in Oleshky, blaming Ukrainian forces for obstructing deliveries, while the Vatican pressed for a humanitarian truce.
Putin, speaking on the same call, emphasized the importance of cooperation between Russia and the Vatican in protecting Christians and Christian places of worship worldwide, a sentiment echoed by the Kremlin’s RIA Novosti agency.
This appeal follows a previous phone call between the Pope and Putin in June 2025, underscoring an ongoing Vatican effort to mediate in the conflict. Pope Leo, who is recovering from lung‑cancer surgery performed on Oct. 13, continued his daily activities, including respiratory physiotherapy and celebrating Mass in the hospital, demonstrating his resolve to remain an active moral voice.
Humanitarian groups have warned that without a ceasefire, the civilian population of Oleshky faces escalating starvation and lack of medical care. The Vatican’s call adds diplomatic pressure on Moscow as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
The Holy See indicated it will keep urging both parties toward a ceasefire and will monitor the situation closely, signaling that further diplomatic outreach is likely in the coming weeks.
