Trump Wishes Pope Leo Speedy Recovery After Lung Cancer Diagnosis

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed his hopes for a swift recovery for Pope Leo following the Vatican’s announcement that the 71-year-old pontiff had been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing surgery.

Speaking to reporters, Trump offered a message of support despite his previous disagreements with the Catholic Church leader over immigration, foreign policy and artificial intelligence.

"I want to see Pope Leo get well," Trump said. "I just want to wish him well, get better fast."

According to the Vatican, doctors diagnosed Pope Leo with lung cancer after surgeons removed part of his right lung on Tuesday. The procedure marked a significant health development for the first American pope, prompting concerns about his condition and recovery.

In a medical update released Wednesday, Vatican officials said the pope was recovering as expected following surgery. He had already begun walking around his hospital room and resumed eating normally, indicating positive progress in his postoperative recovery.

Trump's supportive remarks come amid a history of public disagreements between the two prominent American figures.

Pope Leo has repeatedly criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies, urging Americans to engage in "deep reflection" about the treatment of migrants. He previously described the administration's approach toward immigrants as "extremely disrespectful" and condemned what he characterized as "inhuman treatment."

Their differences have also extended to international affairs. The Vatican declined to participate in Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" initiative for Gaza, while Pope Leo publicly criticized the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Trump responded to some of the pontiff's earlier positions with sharp criticism, describing Leo as "terrible for Foreign Policy" and "WEAK on Crime" in a social media post earlier this year.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as another point of disagreement between the two leaders. Late last month, Pope Leo warned that concerns about AI potentially threatening humanity should be taken seriously.

His remarks appeared to challenge Trump's position that fears surrounding artificial intelligence and its potential dangers to humanity are a "hoax."

Despite their political and ideological differences, Trump's latest comments focused on the pope's health rather than their previous disputes.

The Vatican's latest medical update suggests Pope Leo's initial recovery is progressing according to expectations, although officials have not provided further details about his cancer treatment or long-term prognosis.