🌙 VATICAN REPORT | Monday 19 October 2026 evening

📞 The call with Zelensky This afternoon Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Holy See Press Office reports. The Pope drew attention to the "serious situation" in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and to the request for a humanitarian truce already put to the Russian president. He hoped both sides would work together to deliver food and medical aid and to allow the "voluntary and safe" evacuation of civilians, and reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to dialogue and peace. 🏠 Convalescence in the Vatican The Pope had no public engagements today and, as announced, did not go to Castel Gandolfo: his convalescence continues in the Apostolic Palace. 🎓 International Theological Commission Today's Bulletin announces the appointment of 24 new members of the International Theological Commission, theologians from every continent, six of them women. 🕊️ Saints and dialogue Cardinal Semeraro opened the conference "Holiness in History" of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. According to Vatican News, Leo XIV is expected to receive the participants on Wednesday morning. In London, Cardinal Koovakad spoke at "Ahimsa Day" in the British Parliament on Catholics and Jains united for peace. 📌 To watch • Tuesday 20: no public engagements announced • Wednesday 21: General Audience in St Peter's Square, confirmed "for the moment" • Further Press Office updates on the Pope's health #LeoXIV #Vatican