Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid deliveries and the safe evacuation of civilians.

Axar.az reports, citing Vatican News, that the Pope raised the issue during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Oleshky, located in Ukraine’s Kherson region.

He called for a halt to hostilities to enable the delivery of food and medical assistance and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population.

The Pope also reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.