Liberals need to laugh more.
President Donald Trump sparked headlines Tuesday with a humorous comment about the future of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis at age 88.
When asked who he believes should be the next pontiff, Trump smiled and replied, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” While clearly tongue-in-cheek, the remark instantly drew interest from Trump supporters and religious conservatives alike.
Trump quickly followed up with a more serious note, saying he doesn’t have a preferred candidate but pointed to “a very good cardinal out of New York,” widely interpreted as Cardinal Timothy Dolan. While Dolan is not among the Vatican’s official short list, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey—a fellow American—is said to be under consideration.
No American has ever held the position of pope in the nearly 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
The Trumps traveled to the Vatican last weekend to attend the funeral mass for Pope Francis, a historic figure as the first pontiff from Latin America. Though President Trump and the late pope often disagreed—particularly on issues like border security and immigration—the former president paid his respects with dignity, highlighting his longstanding commitment to Christian values and global diplomacy.
Now, 135 Catholic cardinals from around the world will enter a highly secretive conclave to elect a new pope. With no clear frontrunner, the decision could shape the Church’s future for decades.
As global attention turns to Rome, many are watching to see whether the Vatican will maintain its current direction or embrace stronger leadership rooted in tradition and national sovereignty.