Pope Leo
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The Vatican said Pope Leo “expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky, Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population.”
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said it was “the Holy Father who took the initiative” to call Russian President Vladimir Putin “to plead the cause of this besieged city, where around 2,000 civilians are in need of safe routes and humanitarian corridors.”
“I believe the pope called for a truce to allow both the delivery of humanitarian aid, particularly food, and the evacuation of those who must leave the city.”
“I hope,” added Parolin, “that faced with a request from the Holy Father, President Putin will agree to implement what has been asked of him.”
According to a statement reported by Russian news agencies, President Vladimir Putin thanked Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to contribute to the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and for his humanitarian initiatives. He also wished the Pope a speedy recovery following his recent operation.
Previous contacts between Moscow and the Vatican
This is the second time that Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken.
The two leaders had already had a telephone conversation on June 4, 2025, less than a month after the election of Leo XIV.
Pope Francis last spoke with Putin on December 17, 2021, his birthday. However, after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, its attempts to establish direct contact with the Russian president failed.
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