Faith

Pope Leo will not make Assisi visit to aid recovery after surgery

Vatican News·Oct 23, 2026 · 2:35 AM CT
Readthrough summary

The Holy See Press Office said Friday that Pope Leo XIV will not attend the "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" meeting in Assisi on Oct. 27, so he can continue recovering from thoracic surgery.

His doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, said a scheduled follow-up chest X-ray confirmed his recovery is "progressing very well," but advised against the planned helicopter trip as a precaution so soon after the operation. The Oct. 13 surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung, and doctors said it removed all of the malignant adenocarcinoma, with no further treatment needed.

The pope will send a message to the organizers and to the Christian and other religious leaders attending, saying the "Spirit of Assisi" remains a valuable resource in an age of conflict.

The meeting, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio from Oct. 25 to 27, marks the 40th anniversary of the 1986 World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by St. John Paul II. It is expected to bring together 384 representatives from 53 countries.

Key points

  • Assisi peace meeting: Oct. 25-27
  • Surgery on Oct. 13 removed the lower lobe of his right lung
  • Doctors: no further treatment necessary

Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at Vatican News.

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