Pope Leo has cancelled his planned October 27 visit to the Italian town of Assisi as he continues recovering from lung cancer surgery.
The Vatican announced this in a statement on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The 71-year-old pontiff called off the trip following medical advice to avoid helicopter travel while recuperating from the operation.
According to the Vatican, the decision was made to support the pope’s recovery after undergoing thoracic surgery on October 13, during which the lower lobe of his right lung was removed.
In a separate medical update, the pope’s surgeon and personal physician said a recent chest examination showed excellent progress in his recovery.
Doctors also confirmed earlier this week that laboratory tests on the removed tissue showed the lung adenocarcinoma – the most common type of lung cancer – was confined to one area and had been completely removed.
They said Pope Leo would not require further cancer treatment.
Pope Leo faces recovery period after lung cancer surgery
The pope had been scheduled to travel about 175 kilometres north of Rome to Assisi to participate in a peace gathering with leaders of different faiths.
“To support his recovery following thoracic surgery last Tuesday, and in accordance with doctors’ advice, Pope Leo XIV will be unable to attend,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pope Leo was discharged from hospital last Saturday and has gradually resumed public engagements. On Wednesday, he made his first major public appearance since the surgery, greeting pilgrims during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican has yet to confirm whether the pope will proceed with his planned November 6–17 apostolic visit to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
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