Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging Ukraine and Russia to cooperate in delivering humanitarian assistance to Oleshky, a city in Ukraine’s Kherson region, and ensuring civilians can leave safely. The Vatican said the pope emphasized the city’s grave conditions and reiterated his appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire.

During the call, Leo informed Zelenskyy that he had made a similar request to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The pope expressed hope that cooperation between the two sides would allow food and medical supplies to reach residents and enable civilians to evacuate voluntarily and safely. He also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to dialogue and peace.

Leo made his appeal to Putin during a phone call while recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital from surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican said the pope was deeply concerned about conditions in Oleshky and sought a temporary halt in fighting to facilitate aid deliveries and evacuations.

The Friday conversation was the second known phone call between Leo and Putin since Leo became pope. Their previous conversation took place on June 4, 2025, and also focused on the war in Ukraine.

Leo underwent surgery last Tuesday after doctors identified a suspected cancerous nodule. Subsequent testing confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer. He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday and said during his Sunday Angelus prayer that he was gradually returning to his duties.

The pope is expected to hold his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday as he continues his recovery.