Pope Leo XIV has expressed hope that a temporary ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian town of Oleshky could encourage renewed diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Kyiv and create opportunities for broader peace efforts.
Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope welcomed the humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Ukraine that made it possible to deliver essential assistance and evacuate civilians from the embattled town.
He said he hoped the cooperation demonstrated by both sides would strengthen their willingness to engage in dialogue and lead to new, concrete initiatives towards peace.
The ceasefire agreement was announced on October 23 following diplomatic efforts involving US First Lady Melania Trump, with Pope Leo also engaging with both sides over the humanitarian situation. The six-day truce was intended to facilitate the delivery of food, medicine and other essential supplies, while providing safe passage for civilians trapped in the frontline town.
Oleshky, located in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, has faced severe shortages of food and medical supplies amid the ongoing conflict. The humanitarian operation offered residents an opportunity to receive assistance and escape increasingly difficult living conditions.
Pope Leo had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 16. According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed support for a Vatican initiative to deliver humanitarian supplies to civilians in Oleshky and indicated Russia’s readiness to cooperate.
However, the Vatican has clarified that although the Pope was involved in diplomatic engagement surrounding the humanitarian crisis, it did not directly arrange the six-day ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has indicated that peace negotiators are expected to resume discussions in early November, raising hopes for another diplomatic push involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States.
Although the humanitarian agreement represents a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries, significant political and military disagreements continue to stand in the way of a comprehensive peace settlement.
Pope Leo’s appeal adds to growing international calls for dialogue, humanitarian protection and an end to the war, which has devastated communities across Ukraine.
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