Pope Leo XIV will no longer attend the upcoming “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” interreligious meeting in Assisi on October 27. The Holy See Press Office announced on Friday that the decision was made following advice from his medical team to aid his ongoing recovery after undergoing thoracic surgery earlier this month.
The Holy Father underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Medical professionals, including Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, confirmed that the surgery successfully removed all of the malignant lung adenocarcinoma, with subsequent tests showing that no further treatment is required. While a scheduled follow-up chest X-ray confirmed his postoperative recovery is progressing very well, doctors advised against the planned helicopter travel to Assisi purely as a precautionary measure given how recently the operation took place.
Although unable to attend in person, Pope Leo XIV will send a message expressing his closeness to the organizers, guests, and religious leaders gathered for the event. The Vatican statement emphasized that the Pope remains strongly convinced that the “Spirit of Assisi” dialogue and the search for words and gestures of peace serve as invaluable resources during times of conflict.
Organized by the Sant’Egidio Community, the meeting runs from October 25 to 27 and marks the 40th anniversary of the historic 1986 World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by Saint John Paul II. This year’s gathering is expected to draw 384 representatives of religions, cultures, and institutions from 53 countries, featuring 24 thematic forums addressing vital global issues such as disarmament, migration, poverty, and youth engagement.