Pope Leo Cancels Assisi Visit After Lung Surgery

Pope Leo XIV will not attend the Oct. 27 interfaith peace gathering in Assisi after doctors advised him to avoid the helicopter trip so soon after surgery to remove a cancerous portion of his right lung. The Vatican said a follow-up X-ray showed excellent recovery and that the cancer was localized, with no further treatment needed. The gathering, marking 40 years since St. John Paul II’s World Day of Prayer for Peace, will proceed without the pope; he plans to send a message supporting dialogue and peace. His medical team will continue to guide his schedule as he recovers, including preparations for a planned Latin America trip in November.