Pope Leo XIV Calls on Putin to Back an Oleshky Truce
Usagevpn.com – Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to agree to a humanitarian truce in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky, seeking safe aid deliveries and voluntary civilian evacuations. The appeal concerned the worsening conditions in the city, in Ukraine’s Kherson region, where thousands of people remain at risk.
The Pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by telephone on Friday while recovering in hospital after lung cancer surgery. According to the Vatican, the conversation focused on creating a pause in fighting so food and medical assistance could reach civilians and residents could leave safely if they wished.
“[The Pope] expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population”.
Appeal for humanitarian access in Oleshky
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said Pope Leo personally initiated the call. The request was aimed at opening humanitarian corridors for people trapped in the conflict-hit city.
Parolin said around 2,000 civilians require secure routes out of Oleshky, alongside dependable access to food and medical supplies. A limited truce could allow relief organisations to deliver assistance and give residents time to decide whether to evacuate.
“I believe the Pope asked for a truce to allow both the delivery of humanitarian aid, especially food, and the evacuation of those who must leave the city.”
Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to support practical protections for civilians rather than presenting the call as a solution to the wider war. The Vatican’s immediate priorities are food, healthcare, safe passage and the right of civilians to leave voluntarily.
Parolin said he hoped Putin would respond positively to the request from the Pope.
“I hope,” added Parolin, “that when faced with a request from the Holy Father, President Putin will agree to implement what has been asked of him.”
Putin responds to the Pope’s humanitarian appeal
Russian news agencies reported that Putin thanked Pope Leo XIV for his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine and for his humanitarian work. Putin also wished the Pope a swift recovery after his operation.
The call was the second direct telephone conversation between Leo XIV and Putin. Their first discussion took place on 4 June 2025, less than a month after Leo XIV was elected Pope.
Vatican diplomacy has faced major obstacles since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s predecessor, last spoke with Putin on 17 December 2021, Putin’s birthday. Later attempts by Francis to establish direct contact after the invasion were unsuccessful.
Why a local humanitarian truce could matter
A humanitarian pause differs from a political settlement or broader military ceasefire. It is designed to reduce immediate danger in a particular location, allowing essential supplies and medical care to enter while civilians are offered a safer opportunity to leave.
The Vatican’s emphasis on voluntary evacuation is significant. Some residents may seek to escape the fighting, while others may be unable or unwilling to leave homes, relatives or local communities. A workable truce would need to protect both choices.
For people in Oleshky, any agreement would require more than public commitments. It would depend on credible limits on hostilities, secure routes and sufficient conditions for food and medicine to reach those in need. Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to make that humanitarian opening possible.
FAQ: Pope Leo XIV’s appeal over Oleshky
What did Pope Leo XIV ask Putin to do?
The Pope called for a ceasefire in Oleshky to permit food and medical aid deliveries and allow civilians to evacuate voluntarily and safely.
How many civilians are believed to need help?
Cardinal Pietro Parolin said roughly 2,000 civilians need protected evacuation routes and humanitarian assistance.
Was this the first call between Pope Leo XIV and Putin?
No. The leaders previously spoke on 4 June 2025, shortly after Leo XIV was elected Pope.
