Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Oct. 16 while the pope remains hospitalized.
According to a Holy See statement, the pope expressed concern about Oleshky in the Kherson region, a city in the Russian-occupied portion of Ukraine where a severe humanitarian crisis is underway and where, according to the United Nations, 1,700 people are trapped in what have become ghost towns because of ongoing attacks. The pope sought a truce to enable the arrival of food and medical aid and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the population, and he reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to dialogue and peace.
The conversation with the Russian president is the pope's first reported direct communication with a head a state since undergoing lung cancer surgery Oct. 13. The statement issued by the Holy See Press Office was brief and did not specify who initiated the call. It said: "Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation."
Besides calling for a ceasefire, the statement concluded by reaffirming "the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace."
A Kremlin statement was more detailed. It said that, while expressing his sincere wishes for the pope's health and speedy recovery following his recent surgery, Putin emphasized "the importance of Russian-Vatican cooperation in promoting shared spiritual and moral values and protecting Christians and Christian holy sites in various regions of the world." Both sides reaffirmed their interest in continuing dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
The Kremlin also said that, during an exchange of views on Ukraine, "Vladimir Putin thanked the pope for his willingness to contribute to resolving the conflict and for his ongoing humanitarian efforts."
In addition, the Kremlin stated that, in response to the pope's concern for civilians in the Russian-held city of Oleshky in the Kherson region, Putin provided what it described as a detailed explanation of the responsibility of the Kyiv government for the area's humanitarian situation. It added that Putin supported the Vatican's intention to help create the conditions necessary to ensure public safety and organize the delivery of essential supplies. According to the Kremlin, cooperation toward that goal was agreed upon.
The Kremlin described the conversation as "constructive and conducted in a spirit of mutual respect."
Papal envoys
Putin's call followed visits in August to Russia by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher and later by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the pope's envoy for humanitarian affairs.
A source familiar with the organization of the Oct. 16 meeting said the conversation had been planned during Zuppi's trip to Russia at the end of September. This date coincided with the pope's hospital stay.
Leo XIV had previously spoken with Putin by telephone on June 4, 2025. According to Vatican News, that conversation focused on matters of mutual interest, with particular attention given to the war in Ukraine and prospects for peace. During the call, the pope urged Russia to make "a gesture fostering peace" and stressed "the importance of dialogue in establishing positive contacts between the parties and seeking solutions to the conflict."
Putin visited the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican three times for meetings with Pope Francis.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
