Trump wishes Pope Leo speedy recovery after lung cancer diagnosis, speaks highly of pontiff’s brother
Donald Trump has wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy recovery after the Vatican confirmed he has lung adenocarcinoma. Trump said the outlook appeared good and spoke warmly of the pope, adding that he is friends with Leo’s brother and sister-in-law, whom he described as strong supporters of his.
The diagnosis was confirmed by examining tissue removed during surgery at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. Doctors removed the lower lobe of Leo’s right lung in an operation lasting about 90 minutes, with no complications reported; the pope had previously said a small lung lump was found early.
- Trump wished Pope Leo XIV a speedy recovery.
- The Vatican confirmed the pope has lung adenocarcinoma.
- Surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung.
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Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in the United States, became leader of the Roman Catholic Church in 2025. The pope leads the Church and represents its more than one billion members around the world.
Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that begins in cells that produce mucus. The Vatican has said Leo’s condition was identified after tissue removed in surgery was examined; his health is of interest to Catholics and others because of his role in the Church and its public life.