Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Ceasefire in Call With Putin

WHO:

NY Post - Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin.

IJR - Pope Leo XIV is recovering from lung cancer surgery.

WHAT:

NY Post - Pope Leo XIV urged a ceasefire in the blockaded Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

IJR - Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Oleshky for aid and safe civilian evacuation.

WHERE:

NY Post - The ceasefire was urged in the blockaded Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

WHEN:

IJR - The call to Putin occurred on Oct. 17, 2026.

WHY:

IJR - The Pope's motivation for the ceasefire was to facilitate aid and safe civilian evacuation.

HOW:

IJR - Pope Leo XIV made the call from his hospital bed.

(UPDATED October 17, 2026 02:59 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV, who is currently recovering from lung cancer surgery, called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in the blockaded Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The Pope's motivation for this call was to facilitate aid and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians trapped in the area. He made this urgent appeal from his hospital bed, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.