Vatican News reported that Pope Leo XIV will not attend the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” meeting in Assisi on October 27, as advised by his medical team during his recovery from thoracic surgery.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Friday that the Pope will send a message of solidarity to the meeting’s organizers, religious leaders, and attendees, emphasizing the continued value of the “Spirit of Assisi” dialogue in today’s world.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora explained that a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed Pope Leo XIV’s postoperative recovery is progressing very well after the October 13 operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, which eliminated all malignant lung adenocarcinoma. However, due to the short time elapsed since the surgery, doctors recommended against the planned helicopter flight to Assisi as a precaution.
The Assisi gathering, organized by the St. Egidio Community, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace initiated by Pope St. John Paul II in 1986. It brings together hundreds of representatives from 53 countries to discuss peace, disarmament, migration, poverty, youth, and the role of religions in fostering peace.
Pope Leo XIV’s absence from the event underscores the Holy See’s commitment to prioritizing health while maintaining spiritual engagement through written communication.
