President Donald Trump gave a characteristically surprising response when asked who he would like to see succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last week.
Speaking outside the White House, Trump first quipped, “As Pope? I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
His comments, made following his attendance at the late pontiff’s funeral in Vatican City, sparked online reactions. One user on X, Thomas Weiske, joked: “Good idea. Trump could impose tariffs on other religions.” Others questioned his seriousness, with Max Flugrath noting: “This is the guy who couldn’t name a Bible verse after he said it was his favourite book.”
After the jest, Trump clarified, “No, I don’t know. I have no preference… we have a Cardinal out of New York who’s very good.” Though unnamed, he likely referred to Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 75, a conservative figure not considered a frontrunner.