Pope speaks to Putin from hospital, voices concern over Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV requested a humanitarian ceasefire for the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16. While the Kremlin blamed Kyiv for the broader crisis, Putin agreed to cooperate with the Vatican's plea for aid. The Pope conducted the call from Gemelli Hospital while recovering from lung cancer surgery. He has shown steady improvement and was scheduled for discharge on October 17, though he previously planned to lead Sunday prayers during his convalescence.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin via telephone on October 16.
- ✓ The Pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
- ✓ Vladimir Putin agreed to cooperate with the plea for aid to the Ukrainian town.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung cancer surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
What changed
Vladimir Putin formally agreed to cooperate with the Vatican's initiative to provide aid to Oleshky.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV Secures Russian Cooperation for Aid to Oleshky
Pope Leo XIV requested a humanitarian ceasefire for the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16. While the Kremlin blamed Kyiv for the broader crisis, Putin agreed to cooperate with the Vatican's plea for aid. The Pope conducted the call from Gemelli Hospital while recovering from lung cancer surgery. He has shown steady improvement and was scheduled for discharge on October 17, though he previously planned to lead Sunday prayers during his convalescence.
Why it matters
The intervention focuses on the grave humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Oleshky. This diplomatic effort occurs as U.S. President Donald Trump waives certain Russian energy sanctions, altering the international pressure campaign against Moscow.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin via telephone on October 16.
- The Pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
- Vladimir Putin agreed to cooperate with the plea for aid to the Ukrainian town.
- Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung cancer surgery at Gemelli Hospital.
- The Kremlin attributed the crisis in Ukraine to Kyiv.
What to watch next
- Verification of aid delivery to Oleshky
- Confirmation of the Pope's official discharge from Gemelli Hospital
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- www.mirror.co.uk — Prince Harry and Meghan 'excited' ahead of first 'royal-style' engagement since UK return - The Mirror
- 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
- The New York Times — Pope Asks Putin for a Cease-Fire for a Ukrainian City Under Siege
- The Washington Post — Pope speaks to Putin from hospital, voices concern over Ukraine
- Reuters — Putin agrees to cooperate with Pope Leo's plea for aid for Ukrainian town
- www.kyivpost.com — Pope Leo XIV Speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin ...
- www.romereports.com — Pope and Putin Discuss Peace in Ukraine During Phone Call ...
- transcripts.cnn.com — Trump Waives Some Sanctions under Lindsey Graham Act; Trump Says He Wants Ukraine-Russia War to End; Father of Students Shot and K....
- jen.jiji.com — Guerrilla in Milan, shopkeepers speak: "We are afraid they will recognize us and come looking for us"
- jen.jiji.com — Antonella Elia operated on at Gemelli, the video after the surgery: "It was a borderline tumor, now everything is okay"
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