Trump sends well wishes to Pope Leo after removal of cancerous lung tumour

US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, on October 14, 2026, after a rally. Trump is travelling to Arizona and Montana to campaign for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. — AFP pic

First Published: Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 8:53 AM MYT

BULLHEAD CITY, Oct 15 — US President Donald Trump said yesterday that he wants to see Pope Leo XIV “get well” after the pontiff underwent surgery in Rome this week to remove a cancerous tumor.

“I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump told reporters after addressing a campaign rally in Arizona. “It’s big stuff. Anytime you have cancer, but the prognosis seems to be good.”

“I just want to wish him well. Get better fast,” the president added.

Pope Leo’s doctors said that he was out of bed, walking and eating after the removal of a cancerous tumor from his lung.

Now the 71-year-old awaits the results of a biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread.

Prayers for the recovery of the Catholic leader of 1.4 billion faithful have been sent from around the world, from the northern Peru city of Chiclayo where he was bishop for eight years, to his US hometown of Chicago and beyond.

Other global leaders also offered best wishes, including Britain’s King Charles III, who is being treated for an undisclosed cancer and last year became his country’s first monarch to pray publicly with the pontiff since the Church of England broke with the Vatican 500 years ago.

Earlier this year, the pope said he has “great love” for the United States, but his stances urging tolerance and protection for migrants, have often put the Vatican at odds with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and use of detention camps.

Yesterday, Trump also noted that he had spoken to the first American pope’s brother, Louis Prevost, in the past.

“His brother’s a friend of mine who’s a great, he’s a fantastic guy, and his wife. You know, they’re big Trump supporters,” Trump said, adding “his brother loves him a lot, loves the Pope a lot, and that’s good. That’s good enough for me.” — AFP