President Donald Trump wished Pope Leo XIV a swift recovery Wednesday after the pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer, adding that he knows the pope’s brother and describing him as a strong supporter of the MAGA movement.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Arizona to Montana, Trump expressed hope that the 71-year-old pope would recover well after undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung.
“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,” the president said. “But the prognosis seems to be good, I’ve watched. And we just want to wish him our love and our best wishes.”
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Oct. 14, 2026. Later that day, Trump wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy recovery following his lung cancer diagnosis. (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)
Trump also spoke about his relationship with the pope’s brother and sister-in-law, saying the couple are enthusiastic supporters of the president.
“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. “And I can say that his brother loves him a lot. Loves the pope a lot, and that’s good, but I just want to wish him well. Get better fast.”
Trump’s comments came a day after the Vatican announced that Pope Leo had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, following surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
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The Holy See Press Office said surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung during an operation that lasted about 90 minutes. Doctors reported no complications.
Pope Leo XIV delivers the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
The Vatican said tests on tissue collected during the operation confirmed the cancer diagnosis and matched the results of examinations conducted before surgery.
Leo had earlier said doctors found a small lump in his lung at an early stage and advised him to undergo surgery. After the procedure, the pope awoke normally and returned to his hospital room following a short period of observation, according to the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Vatican City last May; Rubio has been lauded by President Donald Trump as someone who is able to bridge gaps in diplomatic relations unlike any other. (Vatican Media/Vatican Pool/Getty Images)