Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows recovery from lung surgery progressing
Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from the hospital, urging a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for starving citizens in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky while denouncing recent attacks. The pontiff showed strong signs of recovering well from lung cancer surgery, holding meetings with top aides and celebrating Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel. Vatican officials have outlined plans for the pope to lead upcoming Sunday prayers as his recovery continues to progress.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from the hospital.
- ✓ The pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung cancer surgery at a hospital.
- ✓ Putin agreed to cooperate with the pope's plea for aid for the Ukrainian town.
What changed
Pope Leo conducted a direct phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital room to advocate for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.
Live updates
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Pope Leo Speaks With Putin From Hospital Amid Lung Surgery Recovery
Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from the hospital, urging a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for starving citizens in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky while denouncing recent attacks. The pontiff showed strong signs of recovering well from lung cancer surgery, holding meetings with top aides and celebrating Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel. Vatican officials have outlined plans for the pope to lead upcoming Sunday prayers as his recovery continues to progress.
Why it matters
The telephone call highlights the active diplomatic role the Vatican continues to maintain despite the pontiff undergoing major medical treatment. Pope Leo has frequently used his platform to address the conflict in Ukraine, focusing specifically on humanitarian crises and affected populations. This engagement from the hospital underscores his ongoing involvement in church administration and international diplomacy.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV spoke on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from the hospital.
- The pope urged a humanitarian ceasefire and aid for the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
- Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung cancer surgery at a hospital.
- Putin agreed to cooperate with the pope's plea for aid for the Ukrainian town.
- The Vatican stated that Pope Leo plans to lead Sunday prayers.
What to watch next
- Pope Leo leading Sunday prayers as scheduled by the Vatican
- Further updates from the Vatican regarding the pope's hospital discharge
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- CNN — Pope Leo to lead Sunday prayers as he recovers from lung surgery, Vatican says
- AP News — First images released of Pope Leo celebrating Mass at hospital after cancer surgery
- 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
- National Catholic Reporter — Pope Leo calls Putin from hospital urging ceasefire, aid to starving Ukrainians
- EWTN News — Pope Leo speaks with Russian President Putin by phone
- SMH.com.au — Pope Leo recovering well from lung cancer surgery, speaks with Putin on Ukraine
- baptistnews.com — Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows recovery from lung surgery progressing
- www.aol.com — Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows ...
- www.yahoo.com — Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows ...
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