OMM Newsroom
Pope Leo XIV has canceled his planned visit to Assisi on Oct. 27 on the advice of his doctors, as he continues to recover from lung surgery, the Vatican said Friday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The Holy See Press Office said the pope would be unable to attend the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” meeting. He will instead send a message expressing his closeness to the organizers, religious leaders and other participants.
The statement said Pope Leo remained convinced that the “Spirit of Assisi” dialogue and the search for words and gestures of peace were valuable resources in an age of conflict.
In a separate medical update, the Vatican said a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed that the pope’s postoperative recovery was progressing “very well.” His doctors nevertheless advised against the planned helicopter journey on Oct. 27 as a precaution, given how little time had passed since the surgery.
Pope Leo underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Oct. 13 to remove a nodule from his lung. The Vatican said the 90-minute operation was successful and that surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung using video-assisted surgery. A histological examination confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.
He was discharged Saturday after the Vatican canceled his engagements through Oct. 20 to allow him to recover. His doctors also confirmed late Wednesday that he would not require further treatment.
