Pope Leo speaks by phone with Russian President Putin

Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office released a statement on Friday afternoon, saying that Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

"During the conversation, the Holy Father 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," said the statement.

"Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace," it concluded.