Trump Wishes Pope Leo XIV Speedy Recovery After Lung Cancer Surgery
US President Donald Trump has wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy recovery after the pontiff underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung, as the 71-year-old continued recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Thursday.
“I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump told reporters after addressing a rally in Arizona on Wednesday. “It’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer, the prognosis seems to be good.” He added, “I just want to wish him well. Get better fast.”
The pope, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, underwent surgery on Tuesday, October 13, after doctors detected a localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations. Tests confirmed lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.
The Vatican said the operation was successful and involved removing the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors reported that his recovery was progressing normally, with post-operative blood tests and a chest X-ray showing results within the expected range.
On Thursday, the Vatican confirmed that Leo had spent a second peaceful night in hospital, got out of bed and had breakfast. He had also resumed eating, begun walking around his room, undergone respiratory physiotherapy and celebrated Mass following the operation.
The pope is expected to remain hospitalised for about a week. However, doctors are awaiting further examination results to determine whether the cancer has spread. His public engagements have been suspended until October 20, while his planned November trip to South America remains on the schedule for now.
Trump’s remarks come amid differences between the US administration and the Vatican over issues including immigration and the use of detention facilities. Leo has also emerged as a prominent voice advocating peace, particularly amid the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Other world leaders have offered their wishes for the pontiff’s recovery, including King Charles III, who is himself undergoing treatment for cancer.
The diagnosis has also renewed attention on Leo’s recent visit to Lourdes, France, from September 25 to 28. The shrine attracts pilgrims seeking healing and praying for miraculous cures. During his visit, Leo drank from its springs, lit a candle, touched the rock and celebrated Mass before a large gathering that included sick and disabled people.
The Vatican has not disclosed when the pope first learned that doctors suspected cancer. His diagnosis has raised questions about the future of his pontificate, particularly as he was elected in 2025 partly because of expectations that his relative youth and health would help him stabilise and unify the Church.