Pope Leo, Ukrainian President Zelensky speak by telephone

October 20, 2026

Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by telephone on October 19.

“In the course of the conversation, the Holy Father recalled the grave situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and made reference to the request for a humanitarian ceasefire that he had presented to the President of the Russian Federation,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement. “His Holiness expressed the hope that cooperation between both parties will allow for the delivery of food and medical aid, and for the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population. Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the commitment of the Holy See to promoting dialogue and peace.”

In a social media post, President Zelensky wrote:

I spoke with Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex and wished His Holiness a full and speedy recovery following his surgery. We are grateful that even during this difficult time for him personally, His Holiness remembers Ukraine and prays for our people.

I briefed him in detail on the situation with Russian escalation and Russia’s constant strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities. We also discussed the humanitarian catastrophe in temporarily occupied Oleshky. We are working to help our people there. We are preparing decisions. His Holiness informed me about contacts with the Russian side on this matter.

Of course, we also discussed all the current security challenges and threats, including the periodic lack of warnings from our partners about Russian ballistic missile attacks—something that has happened three times recently. I thank His Holiness for his support and all his efforts to achieve a dignified peace.

 

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Further information:

• Holy See Press Office Press Release -- Telephone Conversation with the President of Ukraine (10/19/26)
• Social media post (X, @ZelenskyyUa, 10/19/26)