Pope Leo XIV calls Putin, urges ceasefire as he recovers from lung surgery
New York Post · RC · trust 44/100
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“During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population,” the Vatican said in a statement.
“Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.”
The situation in Oleshky is dire with no humanitarian food deliveries allowed in the Russian-controlled city since May. It also has no electricity, gas or running water, and the hospital is barely functional.
The pope was diagnosed with lung cancer Tuesday and underwent a procedure to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The 71-year-old remained in the hospital recovering on Friday but seemed to be doing well.
Recovering from lung surgery, Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge a ceasefire in the blockaded Ukrainian city of Oleshky. RUSSIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock Along with the call, he held Mass in a makeshift hospital chapel, and the Vatican released the first images of him since his surgery, which showed him standing at an altar.
His doctors said he showed “continued improvement.”
“His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own,” a medical update signed by his personal physician, Luigi Carbone, and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, said.
The pope underwent a procedure to remove part of his right lung, as the 71-year-old remains hospitalized. VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images The pope is expected to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer service on Sunday either from the hospital or the Vatican.
He is also still expected to travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru starting Nov. 6 as planned.
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The Kremlin blames Ukraine for the situation in Oleshky with Putin giving the pope a “detailed explanation regarding the Kyiv regime’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there,” the Kremlin said.
Putin also supports “the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions for ensuring the safety of the local population and facilitating the delivery of essential supplies,” the Kremin added.
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