Pope Leo XIV cancels Assisi trip on doctors' advice as he recovers from surgery
Editorial illustration — Press Pass USAPope Leo XIV will miss a planned trip to Assisi next week on doctors' orders as he continues recovering from the thoracic surgery he underwent on Oct. 13, the Vatican said Friday.
The pope had been due to travel on Oct. 27 to the Italian town, about 109 miles north of Rome, for a gathering titled "Disarmed and Disarming Peace" marking the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace. The event, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, was expected to draw 384 religious leaders from 53 countries.
In a statement, the Vatican said Leo was advised "to facilitate his recovery" and to avoid the planned helicopter flight. Instead, the pope will send a message to the organizers, Christian and other religious leaders, and the guests — expressing his closeness to them and reaffirming his belief that the "spirit of Assisi," dialogue and the search for gestures of peace remain valuable resources at a time of conflict.
The cancellation follows encouraging medical news. The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma; further exams confirmed the cancer was localized and he will require no additional cancer treatment. A chest examination this week showed excellent progress in his recovery. He was discharged from the hospital Saturday and returned to St. Peter's Square for his weekly audience on Wednesday.
The Vatican has not said whether the pope will be able to go ahead with his scheduled Nov. 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican said his activities will continue to be guided by medical advice during his recovery.
Sources: Associated Press (Oct 23, 2026); Reuters (Oct 23, 2026).
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