Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to allow aid to occupied Ukrainian town

Pope Leo XIV spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid and food supplies into the occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The Vatican stated that the Pontiff expressed deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city, where thousands of Ukrainians are reportedly starving due to Russian landmines and shelling. The call took place as Pope Leo XIV was seen for the first time since undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous mass from his lung. Images released by the Vatican showed the Pope celebrating Mass in his hospital room at Gemelli Hospital in Rome with medical staff and members of the Vatican Gendarmerie.