Pope Leo XIV Cancels Assisi Pilgrimage Following Thoracic Surgery
Pope Leo XIV cancels his upcoming trip to Assisi on medical advice as he recovers from recent lung surgery. Read the latest on his health and schedule.
POLICY WIRE — Vatican City, Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV has scrapped his scheduled visit to Assisi next week, acting on medical guidance as he continues his recuperation from thoracic surgery performed last Tuesday.
The pontiff was originally slated to participate in an Oct. 27 assembly commemorating the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, an event first established by St. John Paul II.
According to an official Vatican statement, medical professionals advised the 71-year-old leader to avoid travel to facilitate his recovery. In lieu of his physical presence, Leo will transmit a message to the religious leaders and attendees gathered for the event, which is themed “Disarmed and Disarming Peace.”
The Vatican noted that the Pope intends to convey his solidarity with the participants, emphasizing his conviction that the spirit of Assisi—centered on dialogue and the pursuit of peaceful gestures—remains a vital asset during periods of global conflict.
This cancellation marks the latest adjustment to the Pope’s itinerary following his recent operation. The Vatican has maintained that all of the Pope’s upcoming engagements will remain subject to medical oversight throughout his healing process.
On Wednesday, the Vatican confirmed that Leo requires no further treatment for lung cancer, as diagnostic tests verified the disease was localized. The surgery, which involved the removal of a portion of one lung, confirmed a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent form of lung cancer.
Since returning to the Vatican last Saturday, the Pope has appeared in good health, speaking with a clear and strong voice during public appearances. His surgeon has indicated there are no clinical reasons to prevent his planned Nov. 6-17 tour of Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
While thoracic surgeons typically recommend a three-week waiting period before flying, the timeline allows for the necessary recovery interval before the Pope’s upcoming South American trip. That journey is expected to include a dozen flights and two helicopter excursions to high-altitude locations.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
