Pope Leo XIV and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on 16 October.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the pope expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the city of Aleshki (in Ukrainian transliteration, Oleshky) in the Kherson region and called for a ceasefire so that food and medicine could be delivered there and civilians could be evacuated voluntarily and safely. Cardinal Parolin expressed hope that Putin would agree to fulfil the request.
The Kremlin's statement, as relayed by Reuters, says Putin backed the Vatican's intention to help ensure residents' safety and supplies, that the sides agreed to cooperate, and that he explained to the pope in detail what, in the Russian side's version, Kyiv's responsibility for the situation in the city is. The Russian account contains no word of a ceasefire, which several outlets noted. Putin also wished the pope a speedy recovery after his recent operation (TASS). According to Reuters, Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of blocking deliveries to the city. According to America Magazine, the call was initiated by the Holy See.
Sources: Vatican News; Reuters (the Kremlin's statement); TASS; America Magazine.
