Pope Leo XIV calls Russian President Vladimir Putin from hospital to urge a ceasefire in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky, and to request safe humanitarian access. Multiple outlets report the Pope is recovering from lung cancer surgery and made the call after celebrating his first Mass since the operation.
The Vatican, as described by the reports, says the Pope expresses deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region. Outlets also describe the Pope’s requests as including delivery of food and medical assistance and, in some accounts, the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians. Some reports emphasize that people in the city face starvation risk amid mines and drones.
Kremlin-linked reporting says Putin responds by agreeing to cooperate with the Pope’s plea. Outlets differ mainly in emphasis—some focus on the Pope’s personal outreach, others on the humanitarian details and the city’s conditions, and others on the Kremlin’s statement of cooperation—while broadly aligning on the call and its humanitarian aim.
