Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ceasefire to Aid Starving Ukrainians

On October 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV, currently recovering from lung cancer surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in Ukraine. The pope's appeal was aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid to civilians in Oleshky, a city in the Russian-occupied Kherson region, where over 6,000 residents, including about 200 children, are reportedly trapped.

The Holy See Press Office stated that the pope expressed deep concern for the grave humanitarian situation, calling for the delivery of food and medical assistance, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians. This intervention followed a September 19 appeal from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations (UCCRO) for global religious leaders to address the worsening crisis.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, accused Russian officials of blocking humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations, highlighting dire conditions where residents are scavenging for food. The pope's call coincided with his message for World Food Day, emphasizing food access as a basic human right.