After the Passing of Pope Francis: Donald Trump’s Humorous Response

Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump found himself in the spotlight once more with a remark that his fans—and detractors—could both see coming. After Pope Francis’s unfortunate passing on Easter Monday, Trump humorously tossed his own name into the mix as a potential successor, despite not meeting several key prerequisites for becoming pope.

As he approaches his 78th birthday, Trump made a bold claim that he would be his “number one choice” for the papacy. Pope Francis, known in the world as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, tragically passed away at the age of 88 due to a stroke that led to a coma and subsequent cardiac failure.

Pope Francis left a lasting impact as the “People’s Pope”, continuously praised for his dedication to the underprivileged and marginalized communities. World leaders, like UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, have paid their respects, emphasizing Pope Francis’s compassionate outreach.

The official journey to appoint a new pope is set to commence on May 7th, where more than 100 cardinals will gather in the revered Sistine Chapel to participate in the traditional conclave.

However, it’s important to note that the role of pope comes with a stringent set of requirements. Candidates must be male, unmarried, at least 35 years of age, baptized as a Catholic, and educated in theology, canon law, or scripture.

Despite Trump identifying as a non-denominational Christian, lacking the necessary Catholic credentials, he didn’t hesitate when asked about a potential candidate for the pope. With a smirk, he told a reporter, “I’d like to be Pope,” humorously putting himself as the top pick.

Trump’s Tongue-in-Cheek Ambition Causes a Stir

While Trump may not meet the qualifications—and his statement was more for a laugh than a serious bid—it still raised eyebrows for its audacity. Trump’s lack of Catholic faith alone is a deal-breaker for consideration; however, he pondered the potential benefits of having an American in the Vatican. He even casually mentioned a cardinal from New York as a “very good” option, although he left the name to everyone’s imagination.

Adding to the political theater, South Carolina’s Republican Senator Lindsey Graham joined in on the jest. In a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), Graham playfully urged those in the conclave to “keep an open mind,” referring to Trump as a “dark horse candidate.” His tongue-in-cheek message even toyed with the idea of a pope-president hybrid, whimsically stating, “Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”

A Surprising Appearance at Pope Francis’s Funeral

Moreover, Trump didn’t shy away from attending Pope Francis’s funeral, although he stirred the pot during his visit. His choice of attire caught some off guard, and he was spotted holding discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy right before the solemn service—conduct that some critics deemed unsuitable given the occasion’s sacred nature.

While Trump’s remark was clearly not meant to be taken as a genuine aspiration, it nonetheless introduced an element of unpredictability to a sensitive global conversation concerning one of the world’s most esteemed positions.

As the conclave nears, the Catholic Church is preparing diligently to select a new spiritual leader who will shepherd over a billion followers worldwide. Yet, rest assured, Trump’s name won’t be making its way onto any official papal election list.