Pope Leo speaks with Putin from hospital, just days after lung cancer surgery
Pope Leo Speaks With Putin After Lung Cancer Surgery
Activelifezero.com – Pope Leo speaks with Putin from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to help protect civilians in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine’s Kherson region. The call came days after the pope underwent surgery for lung cancer.
The Vatican said the conversation focused on the worsening humanitarian situation in Oleshky, where Ukrainian authorities estimate that about 2,000 civilians remain. Food and medicine routes into the city have been cut off, leaving residents with increasingly limited access to essential supplies.
Appeal for Civilian Protection in Oleshky
During the call, Pope Leo appealed for a localized pause in fighting that could allow civilians to leave safely and enable humanitarian aid to reach people unable to evacuate. Ukraine has accused Russia of creating a humanitarian catastrophe in the occupied city.
The Vatican said the pope expressed “deep concern” about the conditions facing civilians in Oleshky.
The Kremlin said Putin supported the Vatican’s effort to ease civilian suffering. It was not immediately clear whether that support would result in a local ceasefire, protected evacuation routes or restored access for aid deliveries.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said he hoped Putin would respond to the pope’s request. Pope Leo speaks with Putin at a time when the Vatican is directing attention to a specific humanitarian emergency rather than wider negotiations over the war.
Recovery Continues at Gemelli Hospital
The call was only the second conversation between the pope and Putin during Leo’s papacy. It also showed that the 71-year-old pontiff has begun resuming some duties while recovering in hospital.
Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday for lung cancer, during which doctors removed part of one lung. The Vatican said he has made steady progress and can carry out normal daily activities without assistance.
On Friday, the pope celebrated midday Mass in a hospital chapel with medical and nursing staff who were off duty. Images released by the Vatican showed him standing while leading the service in the chapel on the hospital’s 10th floor, where rooms are reserved for papal medical treatment.
In his homily, Leo thanked hospital workers for their care of him and other patients. Doctors said he continues to receive respiratory physiotherapy, while blood tests and a chest X-ray were also carried out on Friday morning.
The Vatican said the pope is fully independent in movement and breathing, an important part of recovery after chest surgery. Further examinations are expected to determine whether all cancer was removed and whether additional treatment will be necessary.
Angelus Appearance Planned for Sunday
The Vatican said Leo plans to recite the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday. The appearance would be his first public engagement since the operation and would allow the faithful to see him as he continues his recovery.
His scheduled engagements have been canceled through October 20. Attention has also turned to a planned Latin American trip from November 6 to 17, although the Vatican has not confirmed whether the visit will proceed.
Preparations for the journey remain underway, and the Vatican has published the list of journalists expected to travel with the pope. Any final decision is likely to depend on his medical progress and the results of post-operative tests.
Pope Leo speaks with Putin while gradually returning to pastoral and public responsibilities from hospital. For now, Vatican updates indicate that his recovery is progressing as he continues to address both health concerns and urgent international appeals.
FAQ: Pope Leo’s Hospital Call and Recovery
Why did Pope Leo call Putin? The pope appealed for protection, evacuation access and humanitarian assistance for civilians in Oleshky, where food and medicine routes have been cut off.
What is known about Pope Leo’s health? He underwent surgery for lung cancer and has been reported to be making steady progress. Further tests are expected to clarify whether additional treatment will be needed.
When is Pope Leo expected to appear publicly? The Vatican has said he plans to recite the Angelus prayer on Sunday, which would be his first public appearance since the surgery.
