Pope Calls Putin After Lung Cancer Surgery, Asks for Cooperation on Relief Supplies

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to cooperate with a request from Pope Leo XIV to help allow essential supplies into the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, Reuters reported on the 16th (local time).

According to the report, the Pope telephoned President Putin earlier in the day to ask for a ceasefire so that aid and food could enter Oleshky.

Oleshky, located in southern Ukraine, was occupied by Russian forces in February 2022. Residents are reportedly suffering from such severe food shortages that they have resorted to eating wild weeds.

The Vatican stated that the Pope expressed deep concern to President Putin regarding the humanitarian situation in the area.

The Kremlin said in a statement, "We supported the Vatican's intention to help ensure the safety of city residents and create conditions for organizing the supply of essential goods," adding, "It was agreed to cooperate on this issue."

However, no separate mention was made regarding a ceasefire.

The phone call between the Pope and President Putin is known to be their second, following a previous call in June of last year.

The Pope reportedly reiterated to President Putin that the Holy See supports any initiatives aimed at peace.

The 71-year-old Pope recently underwent lung cancer surgery and is currently recovering at a hospital in Rome.

The Kremlin stated that President Putin wished the Pope a swift and full recovery.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, explained that the call came about at the Pope's initiative to appeal to President Putin regarding the plight of Oleshky.

Prior to the war, the population of Oleshky, located in Ukraine's Kherson Oblast, was approximately 24,000.

Reports indicate that about 1,700 people, including 47 children, currently remain there.

Russia and Ukraine have been blaming each other for cutting off supplies to the region.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.