VATICAN CITY, October 19. /TASS/. Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Vladimir Zelensky, during which he reminded him of the dire humanitarian situation in Alyoshki in the Kherson Region, the Holy See Press Office said.

"During the conversation, the Holy Father recalled the difficult situation in the city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region. The pontiff expressed hope that cooperation between both sides would make it possible to deliver food and medical aid, as well as carry out the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians," the statement said.

The issue had previously been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation on October 16.

Following the October 16 call, the Kremlin press service reported that the Russian president had provided Pope Leo XIV with a detailed explanation of the difficult humanitarian situation in Alyoshki in the Kherson Region and said that Kiev was responsible for the situation. Putin also backed the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions to ensure the safety of the city’s residents and organize vital supplies.