Pope urges Zelensky to ensure safe evacuation from Oleshky
Pope Leo XIV and Zelensky at Castel Gandolfo in 2025. Photo: Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians from Oleshky in the Kherson region during a phone call on October 19, 2026, Vatican News reports.
According to the statement, the pontiff drew attention to the dire situation in the town and stressed the need to allow civilians to evacuate voluntarily and safely. Leo XIV also mentioned his appeal to the Russian president for a humanitarian ceasefire.
The Pope expressed hope that cooperation between both sides would make it possible to deliver food and medical aid to Oleshky.
At the end of the conversation, the pontiff reaffirmed the Vatican's willingness to facilitate dialogue and peace.
As the UOJ previously reported, Pope Leo XIV called for concrete actions to bring peace to Ukraine. The pontiff has repeatedly stressed the need to end the war and begin negotiations.
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