President Trump Wishes Pope Leo XIV Well After Cancer Diagnosis

President Donald Trump extended his best wishes to Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday following the pontiff’s diagnosis with lung cancer. Trump shared these sentiments while traveling on Air Force One from Arizona to Montana.

The president expressed hope for the 71-year-old pope’s recovery after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung. “I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump stated. He acknowledged the seriousness of the diagnosis, noting, “It’s a cancer. It’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer.” However, he seemed heartened by the positive prognosis and added, “We just want to wish him our love and our best wishes.”

Trump also highlighted his personal connection to the pope’s family. He mentioned his friendship with the pope’s brother, describing him and his wife as ardent supporters of the president. “His brother is a friend of mine, who’s a great — he’s a fantastic guy — and his wife,” Trump remarked. “You know, they’re big Trump supporters. They have MAGA all over their house.” Trump continued, “I can say that his brother loves him a lot. Loves the pope a lot, and that’s good.”

The Vatican had announced previously that Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. Doctors successfully removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung without any complications during the 90-minute procedure. This diagnosis was confirmed through a biopsy of tissue taken during the surgery and matched earlier test results.

Pope Leo XIV had earlier informed the public of a small lung mass detected at an initial stage, for which surgery was advised. After the operation, the pope recovered normally and returned to his hospital room following a brief observation period.