Pope Leo speaks with Putin from hospital, just days after lung cancer surgery

Key Points:

• Pope Leo, recovering from lung cancer surgery, spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the severe humanitarian crisis in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, urging a local ceasefire for civilian evacuation and aid delivery.
• Putin expressed support for the Vatican's efforts to alleviate the situation, while Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately creating the humanitarian catastrophe.
• The pope, showing steady improvement, celebrated Mass at the Gemelli Hospital with medical staff present and is expected to make his first public appearance post-treatment by reciting the Angelus prayers on Sunday.
• Despite ongoing recovery and autonomy in daily activities, the pope’s post-operative cancer test results are pending, and his public engagements are canceled until October 20, with uncertainty surrounding his planned Latin America trip in November.
• The Vatican continues preparations for the Latin America visit and has released the list of journalists accompanying the pope, signaling cautious optimism about his return to duties.