According to the Vatican, Leo expressed "deep concern over the serious humanitarian situation in the town of Oleshky, in the Kherson region."
Pope Leo, who has just undergone surgery after being diagnosed with lung cancer, also said that a Russian ceasefire is necessary "to enable the delivery of food and medical treatment, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population."
According to the Russian state-controlled news agency Ria Novosti, Putin is said to have responded that he sees great importance in "cooperation between Russia and the Vatican to promote spiritual and moral values," reports the Italian news agency Ansa.