While recovering from lung surgery, Pope Leo urged Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city.

Pope Leo called Vladimir Putin from his hospital bed and called for a ceasefire in Ukraine's Olesheki, where food deliveries have been blocked since May.

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In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin while he was recovering from surgery in hospital, Pope Leo XIV asked him to call for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian town of Olsheki.

"During this conversation, the Holy Father expressed his deep concern for the dire humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshki in the Kherson region and called for a ceasefire to send food and medical aid and for the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians," the Vatican said in a statement.

Finally, the Holy Father emphasized the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.

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The situation in Olsheki is dire, and since May, no humanitarian food deliveries have been allowed in the Russian-controlled city. Also, it does not have electricity, gas or piped water and the hospital is working hard.

On Tuesday, Pope was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

The 71-year-old was hospitalized on Friday and was recovering but appeared to be doing well.

Along with the call, he celebrated Mass in the hospital's makeshift chapel, and the Vatican released the first pictures of him after surgery, showing him standing at an altar.

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His doctors said he showed "steady improvement".

"Post-operative rehabilitation allows him to fully carry out his normal daily activities.

The pope is expected to perform his traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday either from the hospital or the Vatican.

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He is also expected to still travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru as scheduled from November 6.

The Kremlin said the Kremlin held Ukraine responsible for the situation in Olsheki, and that Putin had given the pope "detailed explanations about the Kiev regime's responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there."

Kermin added that Putin also supports "the Vatican's intention to help create conditions to ensure the safety of the local population and facilitate the delivery of essential equipment."