On October 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV held his first phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he urged for a ceasefire to be declared in the occupied Oleshky, Kherson region. The pontiff expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the city, which is suffering from the consequences of war.
Humanitarian Situation in Oleshky
Pope Leo XIV noted that there is a serious humanitarian crisis in Oleshky that requires urgent intervention. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire to ensure:
- the delivery of food and medical supplies;
- the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.
These measures are critically important for saving the lives of the city's residents who find themselves in difficult conditions.
The Role of the Vatican in Peace Negotiations
The Pope also confirmed the Vatican's readiness to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict. This indicates the Holy See's desire to play an active role in finding pathways to peace in the region.
The Vatican, as a neutral party, could serve as a platform for negotiations between the conflicting sides, which may help reduce tensions and improve the humanitarian situation.