Pope Leo XIV calls for humanitarian truce in Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 19, 2026, to discuss the critical situation in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in the Kherson region. The Pope emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian truce to facilitate the delivery of food and medical aid.

Following a previous call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Holy See expressed hope that cooperation between both parties would allow for the “voluntary and safe” evacuation of the civilian population, who are currently facing severe hunger and blocked escape routes. The Vatican reiterated its commitment to dialogue to resolve the conflict.