Pope holds phone call with Putin

Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Putin. Collage: UOJ

Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Putin. Collage: UOJ

Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he discussed the grave humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky in the Kherson region. The conversation, which took place on October 16, 2026, was reported by the Press Office of the Holy See.

On this topic Pope urges safe grain export from Ukraine
The Pontiff called on the warring parties to ensure grain shipments through the Black Sea, on which the food supply of the poorest countries depends.

During the conversation, the head of the Catholic Church expressed deep concern about the situation of the residents and called on the parties to observe a truce. In the Pontiff's opinion, a temporary pause is necessary in order to deliver food and medicine to the people, as well as to ensure the safe and voluntary evacuation of the civilian population from the dangerous zone.

The Vatican also emphasized that the Holy See intends to continue its efforts to promote dialogue and achieve peace.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Stefanchuk discussed the Pope's visit to Ukraine with the Vatican Secretary of State.

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