Edition of Wednesday, October 21

Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in the city of Oleshky during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 16. Speaking from Gemelli Hospital in Rome following lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13, the pope requested a truce to allow for the delivery of food and medical assistance and the safe, voluntary evacuation of civilians in the Kherson region.

The Holy See Press Office stated the pope expressed deep concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Oleshky. The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations reported that more than 6,000 civilians, including approximately 200 children, remain in the area near the front line. The council noted that food supplies have not been delivered to the area since the end of May due to a humanitarian blockade.

The Kremlin reported that Putin expressed wishes for the pope's recovery and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Russia and the Vatican regarding spiritual values and the protection of Christians and holy sites. The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and dialogue.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the French Bishops' Conference and archbishop of Marseille, condemned acts of violence and vandalism that occurred in several French cities on October 17, 2026. Alongside vice-presidents Vincent Jordy, archbishop of Tours, and Benoît Bertrand, bishop of Pontoise, Aveline expressed solidarity with those injured and with shopkeepers who suffered from looting.

The leadership of the French bishops reported that the unrest included attacks on law enforcement officers, the destruction of public equipment, and the ransacking of state buildings. The bishops called for an end to the violence and urged citizens to avoid further escalation, stating that the country deserves better. They requested prayers for the restoration of peace through dialogue and respect for justice.

Redemptorist Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday, Oct. 17, after a large crucifix fell and struck him during Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The 53-year-old priest was standing behind the altar when the wooden crucifix tipped forward and hit him on the head, causing him to collapse. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement signed by Cardinal Luis Cabrera.

The incident was captured on a livestream of the service, which was being broadcast to parishioners watching from home. While the video went viral online, the parish removed the footage due to its sensitive content. It remains uncertain why the crucifix fell during the Eucharistic celebration.

The Redemptorist community and the Archdiocese celebrated a memorial Mass for Father Sánchez on Oct. 18 at the same church. Members of the Salesian community remembered him for his pastoral dedication to young women and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Father Sánchez, who was born in Cuenca, had previously served as a pastor at San Lorenzo de Vinces Parish.