PUTIN AND THE POPE DISCUSS THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE

MOSCOW, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ – Russian President Vladimir Putin told Pope Leo XIV during a telephone conversation that he supported the Vatican’s initiative to help deliver supplies to civilians in the city of Oleshky, the Kremlin said.

"The Vatican’s intention to help create the conditions necessary to ensure the safety of the city’s population and organise the delivery of essential supplies was supported. It was agreed that cooperation on this issue would continue," the Kremlin statement said.

The Vatican said that, during the conversation, the Pope had called on the Russian president to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine to allow aid and food to reach the city of Oleshky, which is under the control of Russian forces.

The Pope expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the city and reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to all peace initiatives, Reuters reported.

Pope Leo and Putin last spoke in June 2025.

The Pope, 71, is currently recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following surgery for lung cancer.