Susanna Riva A telephone conversation between Pope Leo XIV and Vladimir Putin on Friday afternoon brought the Vatican's diplomatic role in the Ukrainian crisis to the forefront. From the Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is recovering after lung surgery, the main focus of the conversation was the humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky in the Kherson region and the request for a truce to allow for the arrival of aid and the evacuation of the population.
The Vatican statement emphasized that the Holy Father expressed deep concern for the plight of civilians and called for a cessation of hostilities aimed at the delivery of basic necessities and the voluntary and safe exit of those who wish to do so. This dialogue is not an isolated incident: the two had already spoken on June 4, 2025 , and the conversation follows the visits to Moscow by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher in August and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi at the end of September.
The Kremlin's positions on responsibility and cooperation
In the Kremlin 's report, the conversation was described as "constructive and marked by mutual respect." Moscow provided what it called a comprehensive explanation of the causes of the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, placing the blame squarely on the Kiev government. While emphasizing these reconstructions, the Kremlin stated its willingness to collaborate with the Vatican to "create the necessary conditions" for the passage of essential supplies and the protection of the civilian population.
Best wishes, health and questions about the field
The Russian president expressed his "sincere wishes for health and a speedy recovery" to Leo XIV after his surgery. At the same time, however, he reiterated his interpretation of events on the ground, stating that Kiev, according to the official Russian version, is responsible for the difficult situation. The Kremlin statement
The Vatican's line and the role of papal diplomacy
The Holy See, through its Press Office, emphasized the humanitarian priority: the Pope's request aims to facilitate the delivery of food and medical aid and to facilitate safe evacuations. The Vatican reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peace and explained that the Pope's appeal does not imply public attribution of blame, but rather the need to protect human lives trapped in the conflict.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that the Pope himself took the initiative to telephone Oleshky's cause and expressed confidence that the papal request would be heeded in Moscow. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni , meanwhile, updated the Pope's medical condition: hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital since last Tuesday, he is "steadily improving," according to medical reports, and he presided over a Mass on the tenth floor after four days in the hospital.
Practical impact and limitations of the interview
The phone call sets a concrete but limited goal: to obtain a temporary suspension of hostilities in the area to allow for humanitarian interventions. However, the practical implementation of this intention depends on the will and ability of those controlling the territory. The Vatican can exert moral pressure and offer mediation, but it is not a military actor capable of guaranteeing security on the ground.
Russian statements on military operations
In parallel with diplomatic exchanges, Russian sources confirmed the continuation of military operations in Ukraine: during a visit to a command post, the president emphasized that " battalion commanders must continue to carry out their tasks in strict compliance with the objectives of the special military operation " and announced the continuation of targeted strikes against enemy energy infrastructure and logistics centers. This position highlights the tension between the Pope's humanitarian appeal and operational decisions on the ground.
Finally, questions remain regarding the Pope's calendar: the trip to Latin America scheduled for November 6th is still being organized, with the publication of the list of media admitted to the papal flight, but the Vatican has not given absolute guarantees that the visit will actually take place, citing previous postponements.