Pope has called Putin to request supplies and evacuation for occupied city of Oleshky
Pope Leo held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. The Vatican stated the Pope pushed for civilian supplies and evacuation assistance in the conflict zone. The Kremlin confirmed the call took place and reported that Putin expressed support for the Vatican initiative to aid civilians in Oleshky. The pope engaged in diplomacy despite his ongoing recovery from recent lung surgery. This high-level dialogue highlights the Vatican's continued diplomatic efforts to address civilian suffering in Ukraine amidst broader international tensions.
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- ✓ Pope Leo held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- ✓ The Pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky during the call.
- ✓ The Kremlin stated that Putin backs the Vatican idea to help civilians in Oleshky.
- ✓ Pope Leo is recovering from lung surgery and scheduled to lead Sunday prayers.
What changed
Pope Leo spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to request a humanitarian ceasefire and assistance for civilians trapped in Oleshky.
Live updates
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Pope Leo Speaks with Putin Regarding Oleshky Humanitarian Aid
Pope Leo held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied city of Oleshky. The Vatican stated the Pope pushed for civilian supplies and evacuation assistance in the conflict zone. The Kremlin confirmed the call took place and reported that Putin expressed support for the Vatican initiative to aid civilians in Oleshky. The pope engaged in diplomacy despite his ongoing recovery from recent lung surgery. This high-level dialogue highlights the Vatican's continued diplomatic efforts to address civilian suffering in Ukraine amidst broader international tensions.
Why it matters
The papal outreach occurs while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds press talks with European Union leaders following a breakdown in United States relations. Concurrently, Pope Leo prepares to lead Sunday prayers as he continues recovering from lung surgery. The diplomatic intervention targets the occupied city of Oleshky, where residents face severe humanitarian challenges.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The Pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky during the call.
- The Kremlin stated that Putin backs the Vatican idea to help civilians in Oleshky.
- Pope Leo is recovering from lung surgery and scheduled to lead Sunday prayers.
What to watch next
- Whether Russian authorities permit the requested civilian evacuations and supply deliveries in Oleshky
- Further updates from the Vatican regarding the Pope's health and recovery progress after Sunday prayers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- The Guardian — Zelenskyy holds press conference after talks with EU leaders over breakdown in US relationship – Europe live
- CNN — Pope Leo to lead Sunday prayers as he recovers from lung surgery, Vatican says
- Vatican News — Pope urges humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky in call with Russian President
- U.S. News & World Report — Kremlin Says Putin Told Pope Leo He Backs Vatican Idea to Help Civilians in Oleshky
- Breakingthenews.net — Kremlin: Putin held phone call with Pope Leo XIV
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