Pope Leo speaks with Putin from hospital, just days after lung cancer surgery
Rome — Pope Leo spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin from hospital on Friday, just days after his lung cancer surgery, and expressed his concern about the “grave humanitarian situation” in a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city. During the call, the Vatican said Leo expressed “deep concern” about the conditions in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied Ukrainian city in the … The post Pope Leo speaks with…
Pope Leo had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital room on Friday, just days after undergoing lung cancer surgery. The Pope expressed "deep concern" over the "grave humanitarian situation" in Oleshky, a Ukrainian city currently under Russian occupation. According to Ukrainian authorities, around 2,000 civilians remain in Oleshky, with supply routes for food and medicine blocked.
The Pope called for a local ceasefire to allow for safe evacuation of civilians and delivery of aid. Putin reportedly "supported" the Vatican's intent to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, according to a Kremlin statement. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See secretary of state, has expressed hope that Putin would act on the Pope's requests.
Pope Leo, who is 71, is now completely autonomous in movement and breathing following his surgery. The Pope, who had previously led a midday Mass on Friday with off-duty medical staff present, is set to recite the Angelus prayers on Sunday in the hospital chapel, marking his first public appearance since his treatment. The Pope is completely autonomous and showing "steady improvement" after his surgery.
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