The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo XIV will not attend the upcoming faith gathering in Assisi as he continues his post-surgery recovery.
While the Holy Father’s recuperation remains on a positive trajectory, medical advisors recommended canceling his presence in the event to avoid helicopter travel.
“To support recovery following last Tuesday’s thoracic surgery, and following the doctors’ advice, Pope Leo XIV will not be able to attend the ‘Disarmed and Disarming Peace’ meeting in Assisi on October 27th,” their statement reads, as quoted by Manila Standard.
Background
On October 13, the 71-year-old pontiff underwent thoracic surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic to remove the lower lobe of his right lung following a diagnosis of localized pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
After a four-day hospital stay, Pope Leo XIV was discharged.
Subsequent “histological and molecular biology examinations” confirmed that the tumor was entirely localized. The medical team announced that no further treatment is necessary.
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Pope resumes duties
Despite his missing the Assisi event, Pope Leo XIV has already begun gradually resuming his official duties.
Earlier this week, he held his first weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. He greeted thousands of pilgrims and expressed profound gratitude for the prayers offered worldwide during his hospital stay.
At the time of writing, he continues to manage his daily schedule with vitality while obeying the rest protocols prescribed by his doctors.
The scheduled Assisi meeting, organized to bring together world religious leaders to discuss peace, disarmament, and humanitarian issues, will proceed with Vatican representatives attending in his place.
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