Trump wishes Pope Leo speedy recovery after lung cancer diagnosis, speaks highly of pontiff's brother
Donald Trump Wishes Pope Leo XIV a Speedy Recovery After Lung Cancer Diagnosis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump said on Air Force One that he was “happy for the Pope to get well” after the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and had undergone surgery to remove part of the pontiff’s right lung.
The remarks were made Wednesday, the day after Vatican officials confirmed the pope’s cancer diagnosis. Trump was speaking to reporters while the presidential aircraft was on a flight from Arizona to Montana, where he is expected to meet with congressional leaders.
Optimistic Comments on the Pope’s Health
Trump told reporters, “I want to see Pope Leo get well. I hear the prognosis for that type of a problem. It’s a cancer. It’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer… But the prognosis seems to be good, I’ve watched. And we just want to wish him our love and our best wishes.” The president added that he had watched the medical team’s work and felt the outlook was favorable.
The pope’s surgery, performed at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung. Hospital staff said the operation lasted about 90 minutes and was completed without complications. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in tissue collected during the procedure, a finding that matched earlier pre‑operative tests.
Pope Leo XIV, who is 71, had previously disclosed that doctors had detected a small lung lump in an early stage and had recommended surgery. He reportedly woke up normally after the operation, returned to his hospital room after a brief observation period, and has since resumed his duties.
Trump’s Personal Connection
In addition to his well‑wishes, Trump spoke about his friendship with the pope’s brother. “His brother is a friend of mine, who’s a great — he’s a fantastic guy — and his wife. You know, they’re big Trump supporters. They have MAGA all over their house,” he said. Trump also noted that the brother “loves him a lot, loves the pope a lot,” and reiterated his desire to see the pontiff recover quickly.
The comments came amid a broader context in which the president has repeatedly highlighted ties to the Catholic Church and has positioned himself as an ally of religious leaders. Trump’s remarks were not accompanied by any official statements from the White House or the Vatican.
Background on Pope Leo XIV’s Health
The Vatican’s press office confirmed that the pope’s lung cancer is a form of adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in glandular tissues. The disease was identified when a small lump was discovered during a routine check‑up. After the surgery, the pope’s health has been closely monitored by the Vatican’s medical team, and there have been no reports of complications.
Pope Leo XIV’s diagnosis and treatment have drawn international attention, as he is one of the most widely recognized religious leaders in the world. The Vatican’s announcement was made in a statement released early Wednesday, following a brief consultation with the pope’s medical team.
Reactions
The Vatican did not issue a statement in response to Trump’s comments. Meanwhile, the White House has not released an official response. Some observers note that Trump’s remarks underscore the president’s longstanding efforts to maintain a friendly rapport with the Catholic Church, while others see the comments as an example of his broader engagement with international religious figures.
The pope’s recovery is expected to be monitored closely over the coming weeks as he continues to perform his duties. Trump’s message of goodwill, delivered aboard the presidential aircraft, reflects a diplomatic tone amid a period of heightened global attention to the pontiff’s health.
