Pope Leo XIV Cancels Assisi Visit on Doctors' Advice
Recovering from Oct. 13 lung surgery, he will send a message to 384 religious leaders and proceed with his November Latin America trip.
On October 23, the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Leo XIV will not travel to Assisi on October 27 for the gathering that marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by St. John Paul II in 1986.
The decision was made to support his recovery after surgery on October 13 that removed the lower lobe of his right lung for adenocarcinoma. Doctors Luigi Carbone and Stefano Margaritora confirmed by chest X-ray that his postoperative recovery is progressing well. As a precaution, given the short interval since the operation, they advised against helicopter travel.
The Pope will send a message expressing his closeness to the organizers, to Christian and other religious leaders, and to the guests. He will affirm the value of the "Spirit of Assisi" dialogue for peace in times of conflict.
Forty Years After the 1986 Day of Prayer
The October 27 meeting is organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. It is expected to draw 384 representatives from 53 countries. In 1986, St. John Paul II invited religious leaders to Assisi to pray for peace—an act that opened a lasting path of encounter among believers of different faiths, under the Church's care for the common good.
By addressing the assembly in writing, Pope Leo XIV remains spiritually present to that tradition while heeding medical counsel. The "Spirit of Assisi" continues to call Christians and other believers to reject violence and to seek peace through prayer and dialogue, an urgent task wherever war and division wound the human family.
Recovery Continues; November Journey Unchanged
Pope Leo XIV was discharged from the hospital on October 18. Earlier in the week, the Holy See issued positive medical updates. No change has been indicated to the Pope's planned November trip to Latin America.
The doctors' caution concerns the mode and timing of travel so soon after major thoracic surgery, not a setback in the overall recovery, which they describe as progressing well. The Holy Father's message to Assisi will allow him to accompany organizers and guests while he continues to regain the strength required by the Petrine ministry.