Overview
- The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Leo XIV will not travel to Asís on October 27 after doctors recommended avoiding helicopter and short‑range air travel so soon after his chest operation.
- The pope underwent surgery at Rome’s Polyclinic Gemelli on October 13 to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after a nodule was diagnosed as a localized adenocarcinoma.
- Doctors say the operation was successful, post‑operative chest X‑rays show an excellent recovery, and histology found no spread so no additional treatment is currently planned.
- Although he has resumed public acts such as the Angelus and general audiences, the Vatican will send a written message to Asís organizers instead of the pope’s personal attendance.
- The Holy See is continuing preparations for Leo XIV’s November 6–17 Latin America trip but will base any final decision on ongoing medical evaluations because the itinerary includes many flights and a helicopter leg to high‑altitude Cusco.