Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will not attend an international peace meeting in Assisi, Italy, on October 27, following medical advice to allow him more time to recover from recent lung surgery. His doctors have confirmed that his recovery is progressing very well, but have recommended that he avoid the planned helicopter journey as a precaution.
The Holy See Press Office announced on Friday that the Pope would miss the “Unarmed and Disarming Peace” meeting, which will take place from October 25 to 27. He will instead send a message expressing his closeness to the organisers, religious leaders, representatives of different Christian denominations and other religions, and other participants.
Despite his absence, Pope Leo XIV remains committed to the message of peace promoted by the gathering. He believes that dialogue inspired by the “Spirit of Assisi” and the search for words and actions that promote peace remain valuable ways to respond to conflicts around the world.
Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, who are overseeing the Pope's recovery, said a scheduled follow up chest X ray had confirmed that his postoperative recovery was progressing very well. However, they advised against the helicopter journey because only a short time had passed since his operation.
Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. His doctors said on Wednesday that the operation had successfully removed all the malignant lung adenocarcinoma. Subsequent tests also confirmed that he did not require further treatment.
The Assisi gathering marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, convened by Pope St. John Paul II in 1986. The annual initiative brought representatives of different religious traditions together to pray and promote peace.
The St. Egidio Community, which organised this year's meeting, has continued the tradition through interreligious gatherings held across Europe and other parts of the world. The initiative is known as the “Spirit of Assisi” and encourages dialogue among religions and cultures as a way to build peace.
This year's meeting, under the theme “Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” is expected to bring together 384 representatives of religions, cultures and institutions from 53 countries.
Participants will take part in 24 thematic forums addressing challenges including armed conflict, disarmament, migration, poverty and issues affecting young people. Discussions will also examine how religious communities can contribute to peacebuilding.
Although Pope Leo XIV will not be present in Assisi, his planned message will allow him to express his support for the gathering and its efforts to encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful responses to conflict.