Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Wednesday while traveling from Arizona to Montana, Trump said he was hopeful that the 71-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church would make a full recovery.

“I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump said, acknowledging the seriousness of the pontiff’s diagnosis.

The president noted that cancer is a significant health concern but said the medical outlook appeared encouraging based on the information available to him.

“But the prognosis seems to be good, I’ve watched. And we just want to wish him our love and our best wishes,” Trump added.

During the conversation, Trump also disclosed that he maintains a friendship with the pope’s brother and his wife, whom he described as enthusiastic supporters of his Make America Great Again political movement.

“His brother is a friend of mine, who’s a great — he’s a fantastic guy — and his wife,” Trump told reporters.

He added that the couple openly displays their political support, saying they have MAGA materials throughout their home.

Despite their political connections, Trump emphasized the close family relationship between the pontiff and his brother.

“I can say that his brother loves him a lot. Loves the pope a lot, and that’s good,” Trump said.

The president concluded his remarks with another message of encouragement, urging the pope to recover quickly.

Trump’s comments came a day after the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV had been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the diagnosis was confirmed following medical examinations and surgery at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.

Doctors removed the lower lobe of the pontiff’s right lung during a minimally invasive procedure that lasted approximately 90 minutes.

Vatican officials said the surgery was completed successfully, with no complications reported.

Pope Leo XIV, who became the first American-born pope following his election in May 2025, remains under medical care as he recovers from the operation.

The Vatican has indicated that the pontiff’s recovery is being closely monitored, with further medical updates expected as his condition progresses.

Trump’s public message adds to the expressions of concern and support for the pope following the announcement of his diagnosis, as Catholics and other well-wishers around the world await further news about his recovery.