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President Donald Trump wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy recovery Wednesday following his lung cancer diagnosis, revealing that he is friends with the pontiff’s brother, whom he described as an enthusiastic MAGA supporter.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Arizona to Montana, Trump expressed optimism about the 71-year-old pontiff’s recovery following 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.”
POPE LEO XIV BEGINS HISTORIC 4-DAY VISIT TO FRANCE
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 then discussed his friendship with the pope’s brother and his wife, describing them as 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 continued. “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.”
The president’s remarks came one day after the Vatican announced that Leo had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer, following surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
According to the Holy See Press Office, doctors removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung during a procedure that lasted approximately 90 minutes. Doctors reported no complications.
TRUMP TAKES AIM AT POPE LEO XIV MEETING WITH ‘USELESS’ CHICAGO MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON AT VATICAN
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 the cancer diagnosis was confirmed through an examination of tissue collected during surgery, consistent with findings from tests conducted before the procedure.
Leo had previously disclosed that doctors discovered a small lump in his lung at an early stage and recommended surgery. Following the operation, he awoke normally and returned to his hospital room after a brief observation period, 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)
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Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
