Donald Trump never holds back when speaking to the press.
His blunt comments often make waves across media outlets.
And Donald Trump stunned reporters with one jaw-dropping comment about the next Pope.
Trump jokes about becoming Pope before endorsing New York Cardinal
Donald Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday alongside First Lady Melania Trump, who is Catholic.
The 47th President then returned to the campaign trail, hitting Michigan for a rally on Tuesday where he made headlines for an unexpected quip about the papal succession.
When reporters asked Trump who he thought should replace Pope Francis following his death at age 88 on Easter Monday, the President responded with his trademark humor.
“I’d like to be pope,” Trump told the gathered press. “That would be my number one choice.”
The comment came as Trump was departing his Michigan rally, leaving reporters scrambling to determine whether the former President was making a joke or a serious statement.
Trump quickly clarified that he was not putting himself forward as a candidate for the position that requires, among other qualifications, being a Catholic cardinal.
“No, I don’t know,” Trump added when pressed further about who should replace Francis. “I have no preference.”
Trump gives subtle nod to Cardinal Dolan
Though Trump initially claimed no preference for the next Pope, he did offer what appeared to be a subtle endorsement of a prominent American religious leader.
“I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who is very good,” Trump remarked. “So we’ll see what happens.”
The President was clearly referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump over the years despite some policy differences.
Cardinal Dolan is one of just ten U.S. cardinals who will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, which is scheduled to begin on May 7 at the Vatican.
The selection of a new Pope follows strict protocols established over centuries of Catholic tradition, with 132 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote in this conclave.
Trump and Melania attended Pope Francis’ funeral
Trump’s comments about the papal succession came just days after he and Melania traveled to the Vatican to pay their respects at Pope Francis’ funeral.
The First Lady is Catholic, and while Trump himself is not Catholic, he has maintained relationships with Catholic leaders throughout his political career.
During his first administration, Trump met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2017, where the two leaders exchanged gifts despite having previously exchanged criticisms on issues like immigration and climate change.
Pope Francis died following several months of health complications that had limited his public appearances and activities in recent months.
His passing has prompted worldwide tributes from leaders of various faiths and political persuasions, with many acknowledging his efforts to reform the church and his advocacy for the poor, refugees, and environmental protection.
Papal conclave begins next week
The process of selecting a new Pope will officially begin on May 7 when the College of Cardinals gathers in the Sistine Chapel to begin voting.
Cardinal Dolan, Trump’s apparent preference, will join his fellow cardinals in the secretive process that continues until a two-thirds majority selects a new pontiff.
Dolan, 74, has led the Archdiocese of New York since 2009 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. While considered a theological conservative, Dolan has sometimes taken moderate positions on how to engage with contemporary cultural issues.
Though American cardinals participate in the conclave, no American has ever been elected Pope, and many Vatican observers consider it unlikely that tradition will change with this election.
The conclave is expected to reveal deep divides within the Catholic Church between progressive and conservative factions, with Francis’ successor likely to determine whether his reforms continue or face reversal.
Trump’s lighthearted comment about wanting to be Pope himself demonstrates his comfortable, off-the-cuff style with the press, even when discussing serious religious matters that affect over a billion Catholics worldwide.
