Pope Leo pressed Putin for Oleshky ceasefire from hospital
Why it matters: Aid has been blocked for months in the Russian-held city, where civilians face shortages of food, medicine and basic utilities.
Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 16 and urged a ceasefire in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine’s Kherson region, while recovering in Rome’s Gemelli hospital from lung cancer surgery. The Vatican said Leo asked for a pause in fighting so food and medical aid could enter and civilians could leave safely. The Kremlin said Putin blamed Kyiv for the humanitarian crisis and backed efforts to improve safety and deliveries. The call came as the Vatican released the first images of the 71-year-old pontiff since his Oct. 13 operation to remove part of his right lung. Doctors said his recovery was progressing and he remained expected to lead the Angelus prayer on Oct. 18.