World leaders took to social media over the weekend to wish former U.S. president Joe Biden well in his battle against an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
The former leader’s office said Biden is reviewing treatment options with his care providers.
What world leaders are saying
Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his thoughts and well wishes to Biden and former first lady Jill Biden .
“You’ve always had a deep commitment to family and faith, and I’m hopeful that both will carry you through this,” he wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are “saddened” by Biden’s diagnosis, the president said in a post on .
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill [Biden] and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” his longtime Republican opponent said.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau said Biden has “always been a fighter.”
“I am praying for your full and speedy recovery,” Trudeau said in a . “Thank you for continuing to inspire us all.”
Joe, I’m thinking about you and Jill today.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)
You’ve always been a fighter, my friend! I am praying for your full and speedy recovery. Thank you for continuing to inspire us all.
The former minister of foreign affairs and current minister of industry Mélanie Joly wished Biden a “speedy and full recovery.”
“His resilience and decades of service continue to inspire,” JolyÂ
Former vice-president Kamala Harris, who served during Biden’s presidency and later succeeded him as the Democratic presidential candidate, said Biden “will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”
“We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time,” Harris said in a post on social media. “We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe,” said former president Barack Obama, who ushered in Biden as vice-president.
“I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama said in a , adding he and former first lady Michelle Obama “pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Bill and Hillary Clinton both shared messages of support to the former president.
“My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts,” said Bill Clinton, who was diagnosed with skin cancer during the last week of his presidency in 2001,
that she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from.”Â
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said that he was “deeply concerned” about Biden’s health.
“Extend our best wishes to him for a quick and full recovery. Our thoughts are with Dr. Jill Biden and the family,”
“Everyone who knows Joe Biden knows he will meet this challenge with his renowned grace and take up this fight with his characteristic courage,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a post on social media.
“No world leader has done more to drive progress in the treatment of cancer and the search for a cure than Joe Biden. In this work, he has always been thinking of others.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that she joined “millions across the country and around the world praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery in the battle against cancer.”Â
Current House Speaker Mike Johnson also wished Biden well.
“This is certainly sad news, and the Johnson family will be joining the countless others who are praying for the former president in the wake of his diagnosis,”
“Cancer touches us all,” Biden said in his own social media post on Monday night.Â
“Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
With files from the Associated Press
Correction - May 20, 2025Â
This article was updated from a previous version that mistakenly referred to former prime minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s former head of state. In fact, he was head of government. King Charles III is Canada’s head of state.Â
