Trump wishes Pope Leo XIV well: 'I just want him to be well'

Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump — Photo: Reuters

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, said this Wednesday (14) that he hopes Pope Leo XIV recovers quickly. The pontiff was diagnosed with lung cancer.

"I want to see Pope Leo get well," Trump told reporters. "I just want to wish him well and hope he recovers soon."

The diagnosis was confirmed by the Vatican on Tuesday (13), after tests carried out during surgery to remove a nodule in Leo's right lung.

Doctors identified lung adenocarcinoma, one of the most common types of lung cancer. According to the Holy See, the operation lasted around 90 minutes, occurred without complications and removed the affected part of the organ.

Leo XIV, aged 71, remains hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, known as the "hospital of the popes". According to bulletins released by the Vatican, the leader of the Catholic Church spent the first night after surgery well and had all official commitments canceled until at least October 20, while he continues to recover.

Trump's message comes despite the history of disagreements between the Republican and the Pope. Even before taking command of the Catholic Church, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost shared criticism of the immigration policies defended by Trump. Over the years, he has expressed concern about mass deportations and the treatment of immigrants in the United States.

Already as pope, Leo