Pope Leo Speaks With Putin From Hospital After Lung Surgery
Goldlaner.com – Pope Leo speaks with Putin from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to help secure humanitarian relief for civilians in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The call took place Friday, only days after the pontiff underwent surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pope is recovering after doctors removed part of one lung during an operation on Tuesday. The Vatican said his condition has continued to improve and that he has resumed parts of his normal routine independently.
Humanitarian appeal for Oleshky
During the conversation, Pope Leo focused on the worsening conditions in Oleshky, a city in Ukraine’s Kherson region under Russian occupation. Ukrainian authorities say about 2,000 civilians remain in the city, where routes for food and medical supplies have been cut off.
Pope Leo speaks with Putin as Ukrainians seek international support for a local ceasefire that could allow civilians to evacuate safely and humanitarian aid to enter the area. The pope’s appeal centered on immediate protection for residents rather than wider political negotiations.
“I hope that faced with a request from the Holy Father, … President Putin agrees to implement what the Pope asked of him,”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s secretary of state, made the appeal while speaking with reporters after the discussion. Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshky.
The Kremlin said Putin supported the Vatican’s intention to help ease the severe humanitarian situation. It remains unclear whether that support will result in a halt in fighting, safe evacuations or reopened aid routes.
A rare direct call with Putin
The call was only the second direct conversation between Pope Leo and Putin since the beginning of Leo’s papacy. Pope Leo speaks with Putin at a time when access to food, medicine and evacuation routes remains a central concern for civilians caught in the conflict.
A limited local ceasefire would not end the broader war, but it could create a humanitarian window for families, older residents and others who cannot leave Oleshky without assistance. The Vatican has emphasized the urgent needs of civilians facing disrupted supplies and reduced access to medical care.
Recovery at Gemelli Hospital
Earlier Friday, Leo celebrated Mass with off-duty doctors and nurses from Gemelli Hospital. Images released by the hospital showed the pope standing and leading the service in a temporary chapel.
The Mass took place in a room on the hospital’s 10th floor, where a suite is reserved for papal medical treatment. In his homily, Leo thanked hospital staff for caring for him and other patients.
The Vatican said the pope underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray Friday morning. He is continuing respiratory physiotherapy, an important part of recovery after lung surgery, and is now fully autonomous in movement and breathing.
Further post-operative results have not yet been released. Those tests are expected to help determine whether Leo is free of cancer and whether he will need additional treatment.
Angelus appearance and travel questions
The Vatican said Leo is expected to recite the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, which would be his first public appearance since the operation. The event could offer a visible indication of his gradual return to public duties while his recovery continues.
His schedule has been canceled through October 20 as doctors monitor his condition. Questions also remain about whether he can make a planned trip to Latin America from November 6 through November 17.
Preparations for the visit have continued, including the release of a list of journalists expected to travel with the pope. However, the Vatican has not confirmed that the trip will proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Pope Leo speak with Putin?
Pope Leo spoke with Putin to urge humanitarian action for civilians in Oleshky, including the possibility of safe evacuations and access for food and medical aid.
How is Pope Leo recovering after surgery?
The Vatican said Leo is making steady progress, is receiving respiratory physiotherapy and is fully autonomous in movement and breathing. Additional medical results are still pending.
When could Pope Leo appear in public again?
The Vatican expects him to recite the Angelus prayer on Sunday, potentially marking his first public appearance since the lung operation.