U.S. President Trump and JD Vance Send Get Well Messages to Pope Leo XIV after his Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, President Donald Trump offered Pope Leo XIV his "love" and "best wishes" for a speedy recovery following the pontiff's recent lung cancer diagnosis. [1, 2]

Speaking to reporters on the tarmac in Bullhead City, Arizona, before boarding Air Force One, Trump addressed the 71-year-old Pope's health after the Vatican announced that a malignant tumor (lung adenocarcinoma) had been surgically removed. [1, 2]

Vice President JD Vance, wrote on X, that he and his family were praying for Pope Leo XIV and his brother (who also has cancer), saying: (JD Vance)

Our family continues to pray for the good health and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV. May God grant him strength as he works to get better. I hope he knows that millions of American Christians are thinking about him.

We also want to send our best wishes to a true American original and great guy, Lou Prevost, who is also facing his own health challenges. May God keep both of these brothers healthy for years to come.

Key details of the President's remarks and related updates include:

• The Statement: Trump remarked, "I wanna see Pope Leo get well. I hear the prognosis for that type of a problem—it's cancer, it's big stuff anytime you have cancer—but the prognosis seems to be good. I've watched, and we just wanna wish him our love and our best wishes." He added, "Get better fast." [1, 2]
• Connection to the Pope's Family: Trump spoke highly of the Pope’s older brother, Louis Prevost, and his sister-in-law, calling them friends and noting that they are enthusiastic Trump supporters. (Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, is the first American pope in history). [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Administration Prayers: Vice President JD Vance also publicly offered prayers, writing on X, "Our family continues to pray for the good health and full recovery of Pope Leo XIV. May God grant him strength as he works to get better." [1]

According to updates from Vatican doctors at Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, the surgery successfully removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung, and he is reportedly out of bed, walking, and recovering well. [1, 2]
Image Vatican Media from May 19, 2025 when JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican - Super Imposed image of President Trump (who has never met the pope)