Pope Leo urges Ukraine-Russia humanitarian cooperation as Russian strike kills children at playground

Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to urge humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Russia regarding the city of Oleshky. During the conversation, the pope expressed hope that both parties would cooperate to deliver food and medical aid and allow for the safe, voluntary evacuation of civilians in the city, which has been under Russian military occupation since 2022.

The Vatican press office stated the discussion centered on the grave situation in Oleshky. Zelenskyy briefed the pope on Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities and the humanitarian catastrophe in the area. The Ukrainian president's office noted that Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the pope for remembering Ukraine and praying for its people while recovering from lung surgery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

This call followed a conversation the pope had with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16, during which the pope requested a humanitarian ceasefire. The pope reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting peace and dialogue.