Pope Leo urges Putin to allow aid and civilian evacuations in Oleshky
The pope called for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city during an October 16 phone call. The Kremlin confirmed the conversation and blamed Ukraine for the humanitarian crisis.
Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16 and called for a ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, in southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, the Vatican said. He asked for a pause that would allow food and medical assistance to reach civilians and let residents leave voluntarily and safely.
The Vatican said Leo expressed deep concern about the city’s ‘grave humanitarian situation.’ His request focused on access for aid and evacuation, two immediate needs for civilians affected by the fighting. The Vatican also said the Holy See remained committed to promoting dialogue and peace.
How the Kremlin responded to the Oleshky appeal
The Kremlin confirmed that the two leaders spoke. It said Putin blamed the Ukrainian government for the difficult humanitarian situation in Oleshky. That account assigns responsibility to Kyiv; it is the Kremlin’s position on the crisis.
The Mirror reported that, according to the Kremlin, Putin supported the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions for civilian safety and the delivery of essential supplies. The Kremlin said the two sides agreed to coordinate efforts. Neither account described a ceasefire taking effect during the call.
Calls for civilian evacuation from Oleshky
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called the situation in Oleshky ‘desperate’ on October 16 and urged Russia to enable civilians to evacuate, AFP reported in The Straits Times. His appeal came on the same day as the pope’s call and placed particular emphasis on allowing people to leave the city.
The pope’s proposal would require a halt in fighting sufficient for aid deliveries and safe departures. The Vatican described the evacuation it sought as voluntary, meaning residents would have the choice to leave. The Kremlin’s statement described support for coordinating assistance, but gave no date for an aid delivery or evacuation.
Pope Leo’s call from Gemelli hospital
Leo made the call while recovering at Rome’s Gemelli hospital from surgery on his right lung on October 13. Earlier on October 16, he celebrated Mass at the hospital; Vatican images showed him before a makeshift altar on its tenth floor. The Kremlin said Putin wished the pope a speedy recovery.
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Sources and context
- From hospital, Pope Leo pushes Putin for ceasefire in contested Ukraine cityThe Straits Times (AFP report)
- Pope urges Putin to call ceasefire in Ukraine city, days after lung cancer opThe Mirror
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.