Pope urges ceasefire after hospital surgery recovery
The Pope called Russian President Vladimir Putin from his hospital room to request a ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin hopes the Kremlin will honor this plea regarding food and water access for thousands of people trapped there now. The Vatican secretary believes this conversation signals a positive shift in how the town will receive vital supplies soon.
The Kremlin acknowledged the Vatican desire to help ensure safety for residents without explicitly promising a formal agreement on stopping hostilities immediately. Officials stated they agreed to cooperate on organizing necessary supplies for the population facing these difficult conditions today.
Doctors report steady improvement in the Pope general condition following his recent medical procedure at the hospital facility nearby. A chest X-ray shows good recovery of the operated lung after the lower lobe of his right lung was removed.
The Pope awoke normally after the operation and returned to his room after a brief period of observation at the hospital. He spent a peaceful night there before his health improved enough to make this important phone call recently.