Pope Leo raises Oleshky humanitarian ceasefire with Zelenskyy

Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, during a telephone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 19, the Holy See Press Office said.

The pope expressed hope that cooperation between the parties would allow food and medical aid to reach residents and enable their voluntary, safe evacuation. He reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue and peace.

Leo had made a similar request to Vladimir Putin during their October 16 call. The Vatican said the pope had expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky.

The Kremlin said Putin had blamed Ukrainian authorities for conditions in the city and supported the Vatican’s efforts to improve civilian safety and facilitate essential supplies. The parties agreed during that call to cooperate on the issue.