Pope Leo XIV cancels Assisi visit following medical advice after surgery

Pope Leo XIV has cancelled a scheduled trip to Assisi next week on the advice of his doctors, the Vatican announced on Friday. UPI, the New York Post, and Euronews all reported that the medical decision was made to assist the pontiff as he recovers from thoracic surgery. He had been due to travel to the Italian town by helicopter on Tuesday to attend a gathering marking the 40th anniversary of Saint John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace, according to the New York Post and Euronews. [1][2][3]

The pope's doctors stated that a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed he is recovering well, UPI and Euronews both report. However, doctors advised against travelling via helicopter so soon after his operation as a precaution to facilitate his recovery, according to UPI, the New York Post, and Euronews. [1][2][3]

Pope Leo XIV underwent lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13, UPI reported. His doctors originally stated the operation was to remove a lung nodule, but later clarified that they removed part of the lung after tests confirmed the nodule was cancerous adenocarcinoma. UPI added that doctors later determined he needed no further treatment. [1]

Pope Leo XIV, who is 71 years old according to the New York Post, is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City. Assisi, the destination of the cancelled trip, relies heavily on tourism and pilgrimage, drawing millions of visitors annually to its historic churches and surroundings associated with Saint Francis. [2][6][8]