(Photo courtesy of Vatican)
Pope Leo XIV will not be able to attend the scheduled ‘Unarmed and Disarming Peace’ meeting in Assisi on October 27 upon the advice of his doctors, who confirm that his recovery is going very well following his recent thoracic surgery.
The cancelation was done “to aid (the pope’s) recovery following the operation he underwent on Tuesday of last week due to a lung adenocarcinoma that was removed from his right lung.
The Assisi meeting marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by Saint John Paul II in 1986.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope will send a message expressing his closeness to the “organizers, the leaders and representatives of Christian denominations and other religions, and the guests attending.”
Despite his inability to attend the meeting, the Holy Father remains convinced “that the ‘Spirit of Assisi’ dialogue and the search for words and gestures of peace are valuable resources in an age of conflict.”
To date, the 71-year-old pontiff underwent a follow-up chest X-ray as scheduled. The examination confirmed that his postoperative recovery is progressing very well.
However, given the short time that has elapsed since the surgery, his doctors advised against the planned helicopter journey to Assisi as a precaution.
The ‘Unarmed and Disarming Peace’ meeting was organized by the Saint Egidio Community.
This year’s event is expected to bring together 384 representatives of religions, cultures, and institutions from 53 countries. Its 24 thematic forums will address issues that include conflict, disarmament, migration, poverty, young people and the role of religions in building peace.
