Pope Leo urges Zelenskyy to cooperate with Russia on aid for Oleshky
The Vatican said Leo pressed for a humanitarian ceasefire so food and medical aid can reach trapped civilians and evacuations can proceed safely.
- On Monday, October 19, 2026, Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the "grave situation" in Oleshky, Ukraine's Kherson region.
- This discussion followed Pope Leo's Friday appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he requested a humanitarian ceasefire to permit aid deliveries and evacuations.
- Recovering from surgery to remove a lung nodule performed October 13, Pope Leo was discharged Saturday and is now slowly resuming his official duties.
- The Pope expressed hope that cooperation will allow for the "voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population" from the embattled Kherson region.
- Commitment to dialogue and peace remains central to the Holy See's mission, with the Pope expected to hold his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday.
63 Articles
63 Articles
After Putin, the Pope heard the Ukrainian president and re-launched the appeal to the ceasefire. Tomorrow he was expected at the general audience in St. Peter's Square, after returning to the Vatican from the Twins. The article Pope Leo unstoppable: he also called Zelensky to convince him to accept the truce came from The Truth.
Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday and urged him to cooperate with Moscow to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, the Vatican reported, ANSA reported. Zelensky later said on the X network that Kiev was trying to help the people in Oleshky and thanked the Catholic Church's highest representative for thinking of Ukraine despite his health problems.
Not only Oleshky, but also the lack of warnings from partners about ballistic attacks of the Russian Federation - what Zelensky talked about with the Pope.Zelensky discussed with Pope Leo XIV the escalation of the Russian Federation, the humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshki and the lack of warnings about ballistic attacks.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
