Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Mr Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.

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.

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.