# Pope Leo to visit Assisi 40 years after historic prayer meeting

> Pope Leo XIV returns to Assisi for 40th anniversary of interreligious peace prayer meeting.
- Title: Pope Leo to visit Assisi 40 years after historic prayer…
- Summary: Pope Leo XIV returns to Assisi for 40th anniversary of interreligious peace prayer meeting. Pope Leo XIV will pray for peace with religious leaders at…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, assisi, interreligious dialogue, pope john paul ii, peace prayer, community of sant'egidio, holy see, religion, world, Pope, Leo, visit
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-10/pope-leo-assisi-40-years-john-paul-2-religions-peace-prayer.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-06T16:33:09.399+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, assisi, interreligious dialogue, pope john paul ii, peace prayer, community of sant'egidio, holy see, religion, world
## Historic 1986 prayer meeting
Pope St John Paul II hosted the first interreligious peace prayer gathering in Assisi on October 27, 1986.

> For the first time in history, representatives of all world religions were invited by the Pope to pray together for peace.
## Community of Sant’Egidio’s role
The Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic lay organisation, has promoted the 'Spirit of Assisi' for 40 years.
## 2026 Assisi event details
Assisi will host 384 religious and cultural representatives from 53 countries for the 40th anniversary event.
## Pope Leo XIV’s visit
Pope Leo XIV will pray for peace with Patriarch Bartholomew in Assisi’s Lower Basilica on October 27.
## Event’s message
The event’s title 'Disarmed and Disarming Peace' reflects Pope Leo XIV’s message for global unity against violence.
## What happens next
Pope Leo XIV will deliver his peace message to the public in Assisi’s piazza after the prayer event.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV will pray for peace with religious leaders at Assisi's 40th anniversary event on October 27, 2026.