Trump jokes he’d like to be pope: ‘Number 1 choice’
President Donald Trump made a lighthearted comment to reporters on Tuesday as he departed for Michigan, where he planned to hold a rally marking his first 100 days back in the Oval Office. When asked about who he would like to see as the next leader of the Catholic Church following Pope Francis’ passing, Trump jokingly replied, “I’d like to be pope. That’d be my number one choice.”
The recent funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, was attended by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Vatican. During the funeral mass, President Trump also held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
As discussions about the next pope begin, Trump mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a potential candidate, although he clarified that he does not have a specific preference. The Vatican is set to convene a papal conclave in May to elect the next pope, a process traditionally carried out by the College of Cardinals.
The president’s remarks about potentially becoming pope were made in a light-hearted manner as he headed to Macomb County, Michigan, near Detroit, to celebrate his 100th day back in office. Trump has a history of ending his presidential campaigns with rallies in Michigan, including his successful 2024 campaign in Grand Rapids.
Overall, while Trump’s comment about becoming pope was made in jest, it highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis. The Vatican’s upcoming conclave will gather cardinals to elect the new pope, a process steeped in tradition and significance for the Catholic community worldwide.
