Trump Jokes About Being Next Pope, Praises Cardinal Dolan

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump joked on Tuesday that he would like to be the next leader of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis earlier this month.

During a press interaction, Trump was asked about who he thinks should succeed Francis. “I’d like to be Pope,” he quipped, identifying himself as his own “number one choice.” He quickly added, “No, I don’t know, I have no preference,” while praising Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, describing him as “very good.”

Trump’s remarks came just days after Pope Francis’s funeral, which took place on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. Francis died due to complications from a stroke, leading to worldwide mourning among Catholics.

Cardinal Dolan is one of the nine American cardinals expected to participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the new pope. Though a prominent figure in the U.S. Church, experts believe he faces challenges in being chosen as pope due to perceptions of being “too American.”

Vatican expert John Allen Jr. noted Dolan’s charisma and capability but remarked, “You’d have to rate Dolan as a long shot, not a favourite.”

Trump’s brief visit to the Vatican received attention, especially after he met with various world leaders during the funeral. Despite the solemn occasion, he humorously stated that the church is “the nicest office I’ve ever seen.”

While past presidents, like Joe Biden, often connect with their faith, Trump’s religious beliefs have been more ambiguous. He was confirmed into the Presbyterian Church as a child but identified as a non-denominational Christian. He has recently invoked faith more often since surviving an assassination attempt last year.

The conclave process to select the new pope is set to begin soon, as discussions and speculation about potential candidates continue.