Dalai Lama Cancels Trip to U.S., Philadelphia (UPDATED)

The Dalai Lama will not be following Pope Francis in visiting Philadelphia after all. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has canceled his entire planned visit to the U.S. for health reasons, according to announcement on his official website.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is in the United States for a medical check-up,” the statement said. “The doctors have advised His Holiness to rest for the next several weeks. As a result, His Holiness’ planned October U.S. visit has been cancelled. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this decision and apologize to all the people who have worked so hard in organizing the visit as well as to the public. We thank you for your support and understanding.”

The 80-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader was to visit Philadelphia October 26 and 27 to receive the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center. He was also to appear at public events with the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia and the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia.

In a statement, the National Constitution Center’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Rosen, said that the ceremony will go ahead as scheduled.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dalai Lama as he recovers his strength,” Rosen said. “We look forward to honoring His Holiness’ contributions to world peace and individual freedom at the Liberty Medal ceremony on October 26 and are working with his office to arrange for him to accept the award in absentia through a representative.”

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