Pope Francis called Russian President Vladimir Putin from the hospital on Friday, urging a ceasefire in Oleshky, a city in Ukraine currently under Russian occupation. The appeal comes as thousands of residents face severe shortages of food and water due to ongoing conflict. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, expressed hope that the Pope’s request would be heeded, noting that Putin’s acceptance of the call could signal a willingness to cooperate.
While the Kremlin did not explicitly mention a ceasefire, it acknowledged the Vatican’s intention to assist in creating safe conditions for the local population and to facilitate essential supplies. “It has been agreed to cooperate on this matter,” the Kremlin stated, indicating a potential opening for humanitarian efforts in the region.
The situation in Oleshky has drawn international concern, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk describing it as “desperate.” His remarks highlight the urgent need for humanitarian access as the conflict continues to impact civilians severely.
In a related development, Pope Francis is recovering from recent surgery, with his doctors reporting a steady improvement in his condition. Following the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican confirmed that a chest X-ray showed good recovery. The Pope reportedly spent a peaceful night in the hospital after the procedure.
The Pope’s health and his diplomatic outreach underscore the ongoing humanitarian crises exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, as leaders and organizations continue to seek solutions to alleviate suffering in affected areas.
For further details, refer to BBC News.
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