US President Donald Trump has expressed his best wishes for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery following surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from the pontiff’s lung.

Trump made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to reporters after addressing a campaign rally in Arizona, saying he hoped the Catholic leader would recover quickly.

“I want to see Pope Leo get well,” Trump said, adding that the prognosis appeared encouraging despite the seriousness of the diagnosis.

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

The Pope, 71, underwent surgery in Rome on Tuesday to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after being diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, a common form of lung cancer.

According to the Vatican, the operation was completed successfully without complications. The pontiff subsequently spent a peaceful night in hospital and resumed walking and eating as part of his recovery. 

Doctors are awaiting biopsy results to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the affected area. The findings are expected to provide further information about his condition and the next steps in his treatment. 

Trump’s comments come amid differences between his administration and the Vatican over issues including immigration and the treatment of migrants. Pope Leo has repeatedly called for compassion and protection for migrants, positions that have sometimes conflicted with the administration’s immigration policies. 

The US president also spoke about the Pope’s brother, Louis Prevost, describing him and his wife as supporters of his political movement.

Meanwhile, messages of support and prayers have continued to come from religious leaders and public figures around the world as the Pope recovers.

The Vatican has cancelled the pontiff’s public engagements until at least October 20 to allow him time to recuperate.