President Donald Trump sent Pope Leo XIV his best wishes for a swift recovery Wednesday after the Vatican disclosed the pontiff’s lung cancer diagnosis. Trump also said he knows the pope’s brother, whom he characterized as a strong supporter of the MAGA movement.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Arizona to Montana, Trump said he was hopeful about the 71-year-old pope’s condition after surgeons removed part of his right lung.
“I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump said. “I hear the prognosis for that type of problem seems to be good. It’s cancer, and that’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer, it’s serious. But from what I’ve watched, the prognosis seems good. We want to send him our love and our very best wishes.”
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters following a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Oct. 14, 2026. Later that day, Trump offered Pope Leo XIV his wishes for a speedy recovery after the pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer. (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)
Trump also highlighted his personal connection to the pope’s brother and sister-in-law, saying the couple are enthusiastic supporters of his presidency.
“His brother is a friend of mine, a fantastic guy, and his wife,” Trump said. “They’re big Trump supporters. They have MAGA all over their house. I can tell you his brother loves him very much, loves the pope a lot, and that’s a good thing. I just want to wish him well and hope he gets better fast.”
Trump’s comments came a day after the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer. The diagnosis followed surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
The Holy See Press Office said surgeons removed the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung during an operation that lasted about 90 minutes. The procedure was completed without complications, according to Vatican officials.
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Vatican officials said laboratory analysis of tissue taken during the operation confirmed the cancer diagnosis and matched the results of medical tests performed before surgery.
Leo had earlier revealed that doctors found a small lung growth while it was still at an early stage and advised him to undergo surgery. The Vatican said he woke normally after the procedure and, following a short period of monitoring, returned to his hospital room.
Pope Leo XIV met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Vatican City last May. President Donald Trump has praised Rubio as an especially effective figure in bridging diplomatic divides. (Vatican Media/Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
