Pope Leo XIV postpones Assisi peace summit visit after recent lung surgery

Following lung-cancer surgery on October 13, Pope Leo XIV cancelled his planned appearance in Assisi for the concluding day of the "Unarmed and Disarming Peace" conference organized by the St Egidio Community. Vatican officials said a recent chest X-ray confirms a smooth postoperative recovery, but physicians advised against the October 27 helicopter journey as a precaution. The pope will convey his solidarity to the event’s organizers, religious leaders and guests via a recorded message.

The surgery removed the lower lobe of his right lung and pathology reports indicated the adenocarcinoma was confined, eliminating the need for additional therapy. His medical team also indicated no clinical reason to alter an upcoming 11-day tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican emphasized the continued relevance of the "Spirit of Assisi" dialogue for global peace efforts.