Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines again this week after making a lighthearted remark during a press briefing. When asked who he would like to see become the next pope, Trump responded with a smile, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice.”
The comment followed the recent passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. Trump clarified he had no strong preference for the next leader of the Catholic Church, but mentioned, “We have a cardinal from New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens.”
He was referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, though reports indicate he is not currently a top contender. Another American, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, is said to be among the names under consideration. If chosen, he would become the first pope from the United States.
Trump and his wife Melania were recently in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. The former president and the late pontiff had previously expressed differing views, particularly on immigration policy.
Soon, approximately 135 Catholic cardinals from around the world will gather in a secret conclave to elect the new pope. As of now, there is no clear frontrunner.
