In a moment that captured global attention ,U.S. President Donald Trump humorously suggested he would like to be the next Pope following the funeral of Pope Francis. While clearly made in jest, the comment sparked discussions about Trump’s relationship with the Catholic Church, the intricacies of papal succession, and the broader implications of intertwining politics with religious leadership.
On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, leading to a period of mourning and the anticipation of a new papal election. During this time, Trump attended the funeral at the Vatican, notably wearing a blue suit amidst a sea of traditional black attire, drawing attention for his sartorial choice. When asked about his preference for the next Pope, Trump quipped that he would be his “number one choice,” later expressing admiration for Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York .
The process of electing a new Pope is a deeply rooted tradition within the Catholic Church. Approximately 135 cardinals under the age of 80 convene in the Sistine Chapel to participate in a secretive voting process. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pontiff, with white smoke signaling a successful election .
Potential Candidates
While Trump’s endorsement of Cardinal Dolan brought attention to American candidates, the likelihood of an American Pope remains slim due to the U.S.’s significant global influence. More probable successors include:
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary)
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Vatican Secretary of State)
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem)
Trump’s interactions with the Catholic Church have been multifaceted. Raised as a Presbyterian, he has often expressed admiration for Catholic figures while also engaging in public disagreements. In 2013, he tweeted about Pope Francis:
“The new Pope is a humble man, very much like me, which probably explains why I like him so much!”
However, in 2016, Pope Francis questioned Trump’s Christianity in light of his immigration policies, leading Trump to label the Pope’s comments as “disgraceful” .
Trump’s papal jest underscores the complex relationship between political figures and religious institutions. While his comment was made in jest, it highlights the influence political leaders can have on religious discourse and vice versa. The Catholic Church, with its global reach, often finds itself at the crossroads of faith and politics, navigating the delicate balance between spiritual leadership and worldly affairs.
