“I’d like to be pope,” the US president said before leaving for Michigan, where he held a rally celebrating his first 100 days in office. “That would be my number one choice.”
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Tuesday expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s election as the next pope.
The Context
Pope Francis passed away last week at the age of 88 years, after battling complications from a stroke, which led to a coma and eventual irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. His death on April 21, one day after delivering his Easter Sunday message, has left the Catholic community in mourning. Pope Francis is often regarded as one of the most progressive leaders in the Catholic Church. His passing marks a significant moment of reflection for Catholics worldwide, and tributes have flooded in from leaders all over the world.
The church now prepares for the papal conclave to elect a new pope next month, and discussions around the future of the Catholic Church are heating up. A surprising twist has emerged in the ongoing conversation about his successor.
Graham’s Support for Trump’s Papacy
In an unexpected turn, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed his support for President Donald Trump to become the next pope of the Catholic Church. Graham’s endorsement came shortly after Trump made a lighthearted comment about his desire to take the papal seat. Speaking to reporters before he departed for a rally in Michigan, Trump expressed his ambition:
“I’d like to be pope,”
adding,
“That would be my number one choice.”
The comment was delivered with his signature humor. Graham saw an opportunity to back the idea on social media, and embraced the idea of Trump as a pope contender. On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Graham posted his endorsement alongside a video of Trump’s remarks.
Senator Lindsey Graham expressed enthusiasm over Donald Trump’s surprising remark about wanting to become the next pope. He described the idea as unconventional but intriguing, urging both the Catholic community and the papal conclave to approach the possibility with an open mind, despite how unexpected the candidacy might seem.
The South Carolina senator also highlighted the potential impact of such an unprecedented move.
“The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides,”
he quipped.
“Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”
Trump’s Previous Remarks on the Papacy
Trump later tempered his remarks, stating he had “no preference” for who the church ultimately selects but did express admiration for Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York, a figure who has been discussed as a potential candidate. However, it is widely acknowledged that Dolan is unlikely to be a finalist in the conclave.
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