Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and asked for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered to Oleshky in the Kherson region.
This was reported by the Holy See Press Office.
"During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed deep concern about the severe humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, requesting a ceasefire to ensure the delivery of food and medical assistance, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population," the statement said.
Leo XIV also reaffirmed the Holy See’s efforts to support dialogue and peace.
For more on the critical situation in the occupied city, read the LB.ua report "We Will, Of Course, Survive… Or Not". What Is Happening in Occupied Oleshky".