Pope Leo speaks on phone with Putin from hospital, calls for ceasefire in Oleshky

Pope Leo spoke by phone Oct. 16 from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting concern for communities in a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city suffering from worsening food scarcity. 

“During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population,” the Holy See Press Office stated Oct. 16. 

While speaking with Putin, Pope Leo also “reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace,” the office added. 

According to Vatican News, Pope Leo previously spoke by phone with Putin in June of 2025. Oleshky is on the frontline of the Kherson region, which is occupied by Russia.

Oleshky currently has no stable power, water, or heating, according to an Oct. 8 Reuters report. Residents of the city face dangerous roads to get food and water, as landmines are along the main route out of the city, according to the report. 

Locals have said the most recent food deliveries to a local store was in May. The outlet added that Russia “has acknowledged critical problems with food and medical supplies in Oleshky and said its military was working to resolve them. It blamed Ukraine for the crisis, saying it was obstructing those supplies getting to the town.”

Pope Leo’s call for a ceasefire and safe evacuation from the city comes as he continues recovering from his Oct. 13 lung surgery. The press office said Oct. 16 that he has continued to carry out his normal daily activities independently and continues respiratory physiotherapy sessions. The Pope also celebrated Mass again in the hospital today.