Pope Leo XIV will not attend a peace gathering in Assisi, Italy, next Tuesday after doctors advised him against making the helicopter journey while recovering from lung surgery, the Vatican announced Friday.

The pope had been scheduled to attend an event marking the 40th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s World Day of Prayer for Peace. The gathering, titled “Disarmed and Disarming Peace,” will bring together Christian and other religious leaders, along with additional participants, to promote dialogue and peaceful relations.

In a statement, the Vatican said Leo would send a message to organizers and attendees instead of traveling. The pontiff also expressed his desire to remain close to participants and reaffirmed the importance of the “spirit of Assisi,” dialogue, and efforts to pursue peace amid ongoing conflicts.

The event commemorates the landmark interfaith peace gathering convened by St. John Paul II in 1986.

Leo’s doctors said a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed that he was recovering well after undergoing surgery last week. However, because little time has passed since the operation, they recommended that he avoid the helicopter trip as a precaution.

The cancellation is the latest adjustment to the pope’s schedule since he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung. The procedure confirmed that he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

The Vatican announced Wednesday that the cancer was localized and that Leo would not require further treatment for the disease. Officials have said his activities will continue to be guided by medical advice during his recovery.

Leo returned to the Vatican last Saturday. His surgeon has said there are no clinical reasons at present to prevent him from making a planned trip to Latin America from Nov. 6 to Nov. 17, although his recovery will remain a factor in the final decision.

The proposed itinerary includes stops in Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru, with approximately a dozen flights and two helicopter journeys to high-altitude locations. Thoracic surgeons commonly advise patients to avoid flying for about three weeks after surgery, a timeline that would leave Leo with limited recovery time before the scheduled departure.

Despite the recent health challenges, the pope has appeared in good condition during public appearances since returning to the Vatican, speaking clearly and with a strong voice. The Vatican has not announced any change to his planned Latin American visit.