Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from surgery, and appealed for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
The Vatican said the pope voiced profound alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, located in Ukraine’s Kherson region. He called for a pause in fighting so that food and medical aid could reach residents and civilians could leave safely and voluntarily.
The Holy Father also reiterated the Vatican’s commitment to encouraging dialogue and working toward peace, according to the statement.
Pope Leo spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine while recuperating from lung surgery. (Vatican Media via AP; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Conditions in Russian-controlled Oleshky have become increasingly desperate. Humanitarian food deliveries have been blocked since May, while residents reportedly lack electricity, gas and running water. The city’s hospital is also operating only in a severely limited capacity.
The 71-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer on Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
He remained hospitalized Friday but appeared to be recovering well, according to reports.
In addition to speaking with Putin, Pope Leo celebrated Mass in a temporary chapel at the hospital. The Vatican also released the first photographs of the pope since his operation, showing him standing at the altar.
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The Vatican released images Friday showing Pope Leo celebrating Roman Catholic Mass at the hospital during his recovery. (EV/Vatican Media/ Abaca/Sipa USA/Sipa via AP Images)
His medical team reported that he was continuing to improve.
A medical bulletin signed by his personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and Dr. Stefano Margaritora, head of thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said the pope’s postoperative recovery had advanced enough for him to independently manage all of his usual daily activities.
Pope Leo is expected to lead his customary Angelus prayer on Sunday, either from the hospital or from the Vatican.
A demonstrator outside Kyiv City Hall last month holds a sign reading, “Mass starvation in occupied Oleshky. Americans! Make Russia agree to a humanitarian corridor,” amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP via Getty Images)
Despite his hospitalization, he is still scheduled to visit Uruguay, Argentina and Peru beginning Nov. 6.
The Kremlin has placed responsibility for Oleshky’s humanitarian crisis on Ukraine. It said Putin gave the pope a “detailed explanation” of what it described as the Kyiv regime’s role in the city’s worsening conditions.
The Kremlin also said Putin backed the Vatican’s efforts to help establish conditions that would protect Oleshky’s residents and enable vital supplies to reach them.