Pope Leo XIV, Recovering from Lung Cancer Surgery, Discusses Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine with Putin

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Holy Mass on Friday from a specially prepared room on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. Vatican Media reported that just days after undergoing lung cancer surgery, the pontiff spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Oleshky, a city in the Kherson region occupied by Russia.

According to the Vatican, Pope Leo conveyed his "deep concern" regarding the conditions in Oleshky, where Ukrainian authorities state approximately 2,000 civilians remain trapped with blocked supply routes for essential food and medicine. Appealing for assistance, Pope Leo called for a local ceasefire to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid.

The Kremlin, in a statement, indicated that President Putin "supported" the Vatican's initiative to address the critical humanitarian crisis. Ukraine has previously accused Russia of intentionally creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Oleshky.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, expressed his hope that President Putin would heed the Pope's requests. "I hope that faced with a request from the Holy Father, … President Putin agrees to implement what the Pope asked of him," Cardinal Parolin told reporters.

This call with President Putin, the second of Pope Leo's papacy, signifies his return to work following his lung cancer surgery on Tuesday. On Friday, Pope Leo led Mass with off-duty medical and nursing staff from Gemelli Hospital in attendance, with the Vatican noting his "steady improvement" after the partial removal of his lung earlier in the week. Images showed the pontiff standing and celebrating Mass in the hospital's makeshift chapel.

During his homily, the Pope extended his gratitude to the hospital staff for their care of him and other patients. The Mass was held in a room on the 10th floor, part of a suite designated for papal medical admissions. The Vatican also announced that Pope Leo will recite the traditional Angelus prayers on Sunday, marking his first public appearance since his treatment.

In separate news, US President Donald Trump stated he had spoken with the Pope's brother, conveying his best wishes for Pope Leo's recovery. "We wished him the best. I spoke to his brother… and I said please extend my best wishes," Trump said.

The Vatican press office provided an update on Friday morning, confirming that Pope Leo underwent blood tests and a chest X-ray. Doctors involved in his treatment reported that he is continuing his respiratory physiotherapy sessions and that his recovery allows him to perform daily activities independently. The 71-year-old pontiff is reportedly fully autonomous in his movement and breathing.

Results from post-operative tests to determine if the Pope is completely cancer-free and if further treatment is necessary have not yet been released. The news of his diagnosis had reportedly caused shock within the Vatican, given Pope Leo's known physical activity and good health.

Pope Leo's engagements have been canceled until October 20, and uncertainty remains regarding his planned trip to Latin America from November 6-17. However, preparations for the visit are ongoing, with the Vatican releasing the list of journalists scheduled to travel with the Pope.