Pope Leo XIV will not travel to Assisi next week, the Vatican announced on Friday, after his medical team advised against the helicopter journey while he continues to recover from surgery to treat lung cancer. The 17-month-old pontificate's first major health scare has prompted a cautious approach from his doctors at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
The pope had been scheduled to attend a gathering on Tuesday marking the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace, an event that recalls the landmark interfaith meeting convened in the Umbrian hill town in 1986. Instead, he will send a written message to organisers, religious leaders and guests at the gathering, titled “Disarmed and Disarming Peace.”
Recovery on track, but caution prevails
In a statement, the Vatican said the pope was advised not to travel “to facilitate his recovery” from the operation, which removed part of one lung. The procedure, carried out last week, confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer. Subsequent tests showed the disease was localised, and the Vatican has said no further treatment will be needed.
His doctors issued a separate update, noting that a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed he was recovering well. However, given the short time elapsed since the operation, they recommended as a precaution that he not make the trip to Assisi by helicopter. The journey, which would have taken him from Rome to the Umbrian town, involves a flight of roughly 30 minutes and a subsequent drive to the basilica complex.
The decision underscores the delicate balance between the pope's public duties and his physical recovery. At 67, Leo XIV—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires but now leading the global Catholic Church from Rome—has shown resilience, but his medical team is clearly prioritising rest over a demanding schedule.
The Vatican said the pope wanted to express his closeness to participants and reaffirm his belief that the “spirit of Assisi,” dialogue and the search for words and gestures of peace remain valuable resources at a time of conflict. The Assisi meeting has become a symbol of interfaith cooperation, drawing Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other religious leaders to pray and discuss peace.
This is the first major health event of Leo XIV's pontificate, which began in March 2025. He was admitted to the Gemelli hospital—the same facility where his predecessor, John Paul II, was treated—for surgery on a lung nodule that was discovered during a routine check-up. The operation, performed by a team led by thoracic surgeon Dr. Sergio Cavaliere, was described as successful, and the pope has been recovering in a private suite at the hospital.
Earlier this week, the Vatican released the first images of the pope after surgery, showing him smiling and reading letters from well-wishers. He has also celebrated Mass in his hospital chapel, a sign that his recovery is progressing. The Vatican has not given a specific date for his discharge, but reports suggest he could leave the hospital within days.
The cancellation of the Assisi trip is a reminder of the physical demands of the papacy, even for a pope known for his energetic style. Leo XIV has made travel a hallmark of his tenure, visiting countries across Europe and beyond, including a trip to the Balkans and a planned visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg later this year. Those plans are now likely to be reviewed in light of his recovery.
For the faithful in Italy and across Europe, the pope's absence from Assisi will be felt. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a pilgrimage destination and a symbol of peace. But the Vatican's message is clear: the pope's health comes first, and his spiritual presence will be conveyed through his message.
As Leo XIV continues his recovery, the focus will shift to how he manages his workload in the coming weeks. The Vatican has not announced any changes to his schedule beyond the Assisi trip, but observers will be watching for signs of fatigue or further adjustments. For now, the pope's doctors are advising caution, and the pope appears willing to listen.
