• Trump jokingly said he would be his “number-one choice” to become the next Pope.
• He mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York as a potential candidate.
• Senator Lindsey Graham supported Trump’s playful bid, calling it a “dark horse” candidate

Trump Jokes About Becoming the Next Pope

President Donald Trump recently joked that he would be the “number-one choice” to replace Pope Francis. This came shortly after the Pope’s passing, which left the Catholic Church looking for a new leader. Trump made the comment when reporters asked him about the upcoming selection process. He said, “I’d like to be Pope,” making it clear he was joking. But, as usual, Trump didn’t shy away from sharing his opinion.

Trump’s Busy Life as President

Trump is a busy man. He serves as the president of the United States. On top of that, he is a billionaire and has been married three times. These factors make it clear that he is not actually considering a papacy bid. The Catholic Church, with its nearly 2,000-year-old history, is far from the world of American politics. The Church is now in the process of finding a new leader after the death of Pope Francis earlier this month.

Trump Has No Strong Preference for a Pope

When asked about who should replace Pope Francis, Trump replied, “I have no preference.” While he didn’t have a clear favorite, he did mention a potential candidate. He suggested that the Church should look into Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. Trump praised Dolan, calling him “very good.” However, Trump left the decision to the Vatican, saying it would be interesting to see what happens.

Cardinal Dolan’s Chances for Pope

Cardinal Dolan, as one of the most prominent figures in the Catholic Church, is a well-known name. However, his chances of becoming the next Pope are slim. No U.S. citizen has ever been chosen as Pope, and Dolan is not considered a frontrunner in the selection process. The Vatican typically looks to Cardinals from different parts of the world. So, while Dolan is respected, his path to becoming Pope remains uncertain.

Support from Senator Lindsey Graham

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, appeared to have some fun with Trump’s joke. He took to social media to share his thoughts. Graham said he was “excited to hear” about his bid for the papacy. He even called Trump a “dark horse candidate.” Graham encouraged the papal conclave and Catholics to keep an open mind about the possibility of Trump becoming Pope. He joked about the unique combination of a “Pope-U.S. President” and mentioned he was watching for the “white smoke.”

A Long Shot Bid for the Papacy

While Trump’s comments were clearly meant as humor, they still sparked some attention. The idea of a U.S. president becoming Pope is far-fetched, but it was a conversation starter. Trump’s joke and Graham’s lighthearted support added some unexpected energy to the discussion. Despite the unlikely nature of the bid, it highlights how unpredictable both politics and religion can be.

A Playful Joke, but Unlikely Reality

In the end, Trump’s joke about becoming the next Pope is just that—a joke. The Catholic Church is still searching for its next leader, and it’s very unlikely that a U.S. president will take on the role. However, Trump’s comment and Graham’s playful endorsement have added an unusual twist to the ongoing process of selecting Pope Francis’ successor.