Pope Leo XIV to Skip Assisi Peace Gathering Due to Recovery from Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will not attend a peace gathering in Assisi on October 27 due to medical advice as he recovers from surgery for lung cancer. The Vatican announced this decision on Friday.

The pope recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung and was discharged from the hospital on October 14. Doctors have said he is making good progress but advised against the trip to Assisi, which is part of a meeting called ‘Disarmed and Disarming Peace’.

Despite his absence, the pope will send a message to the gathering, which marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace. The event will still take place with 384 representatives from various religions and cultures attending.

Pope Leo, who is 71 years old, was last in Assisi in August for a youth event. His doctors have confirmed that he can still proceed with a planned visit to South America from November 6 to 17, where he previously lived for two decades.

The Vatican noted that the pope is expected to gradually resume his duties following his recovery.