Updated

Updated · Reuters · Oct 16

Pope Leo to Reappear Sunday After Right Lung Lobe Removal as Vatican Keeps Nov. 6 Trip Plans

Updated

Updated · Reuters · Oct 16

Pope Leo to Reappear Sunday After Right Lung Lobe Removal as Vatican Keeps Nov. 6 Trip Plans

Q: Did the Pope's hospital-bed plea to Putin actually secure a ceasefire and civilian evacuation in Ukraine's Oleshky?

No. The available reporting shows Pope Leo XIV urged Vladimir Putin to allow a ceasefire in Oleshky for humanitarian aid and civilian evacuation, but there is no evidence that the appeal actually secured either outcome. The Vatican said Leo, speaking from Gemelli Hospital, asked for a ceasefire to permit food and medical deliveries and the “voluntary and safe evacuation” of civilians. The Kremlin’s response, as cited by Reuters and other outlets, was that Putin supported a Vatican initiative to help deliver supplies and was ready to cooperate. It said there was agreement to cooperate on creating conditions for safety and vital supplies. That falls short of confirmation that a ceasefire was implemented on the ground. None of the material provided reports an actual truce taking effect in Oleshky, civilians being evacuated, or aid corridors opening as a direct result of the call. The strongest verified takeaway is that the pope’s intervention produced a stated Russian willingness to cooperate with Vatican humanitarian efforts. It did not, based on the evidence here, produce a confirmed ceasefire or completed civilian evacuation. So the hospital-bed plea appears to have had diplomatic and humanitarian signaling value, but not a demonstrable, verified breakthrough in Oleshky at the time of reporting.

3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 16

Sunday's noontime prayer will mark Pope Leo's first public appearance since Tuesday surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung for adenocarcinoma.
Friday tests and a chest X-ray showed steady improvement, and the Vatican said the 71-year-old can work and handle normal daily activities independently.
First images released since the operation showed Leo celebrating Mass in hospital and standing unaided, though the Vatican gave no discharge date.
Nov. 6-17 preparations for visits to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru are still going forward, even as Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Leo may need to adjust his pace.
Concern inside the Church remains high after the diagnosis shocked allies, with Cardinal Blase Cupich saying many Catholics are worried while hoping for the best.