Pope Leo Cancels Trip Due to Lung Surgery Recovery

Pope Leo has canceled a planned visit to Assisi, Italy, due to his ongoing recovery from lung cancer surgery. The Vatican announced on Friday that the 71-year-old pontiff, who underwent thoracic surgery last Tuesday, would not be able to attend the event marking the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Doctors confirmed that Pope Leo is recovering well following a follow-up chest examination. However, they recommended he avoid helicopter travel as a precaution, given the short time since his operation on October 13. The pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed and was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma.

Despite the cancellation, Pope Leo intends to send a message to the Assisi event, titled "Disarmed and Disarming Peace." He aims to express his closeness to participants and reaffirm the value of dialogue and peace-building efforts. The Vatican stated that his activities will continue to be guided by medical advice during his recovery period.