Trump's Pope Bid? Seriously?
Okay, so you won't believe this. President Trump, of all people, apparently wants to be the next Pope. I know, right? Honestly, who saw that coming? This bombshell dropped just days after Pope Francis' funeral, sending shockwaves through the political and religious worlds. It was just… weird. It's the kind of thing that makes you grab your coffee and stare blankly for a few minutes.
The "I'd Like to Be Pope" Moment
It all happened during a press briefing on April 29th. Someone asked him about his choice for the next Pope, and Trump blurted out, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” He backtracked later, saying he had "no preference," but the damage was done. The internet exploded. It was pure chaos.
And get this: South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a huge Trump supporter, actually reposted a clip of the remark, getting hyped about a potential "dark horse candidate" for the papacy. He even joked about "Trump MMXXVIII!" – hinting at a possible 2028 presidential run. You know how sometimes things just spiral? This was one of those times.
The initial reaction was a mixed bag. Some Republican supporters were, well, surprisingly into it. Others thought it was hilarious, or just plain unbelievable. It was a real "you can't make this stuff up" kind of moment.
Could an American Really Be Pope?
So, is it actually possible? Could we get an American Pope? Technically, yes. But experts are pretty much unanimous: it's highly unlikely. Dr. Bill Cavanaugh, a professor of Catholic studies at DePaul University, explained that the US's current global influence actually makes it less likely. The current frontrunners are cardinals from places like the Philippines, Hungary, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Italy. It's all about navigating the complex political landscape of the Catholic Church.
The upcoming papal conclave on May 7th will be fascinating to watch. 135 cardinals will gather to make this huge decision. Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez put it perfectly: "the name and style are still missing, but the direction is clear." But, honestly, after Trump's comments, it’s kind of hard to know where the direction actually *is*.
Trump at Pope Francis' Funeral
Before all the Pope-related drama, President Trump and Melania attended Pope Francis' funeral on April 26th. Melania, who’s Catholic, said it was an honor to be there, even though it fell on her 55th birthday. Trump's choice of a blue suit, instead of the traditional black, did cause a bit of a stir online. But a Vatican source clarified that there's no official dress code.
The Bottom Line
Trump's "I want to be Pope" moment is definitely going to go down in history. It's a bizarre, unexpected twist in an already unpredictable career. While the chances of him becoming Pope are basically zero, the whole thing is a reminder that both politics and the papacy are full of surprises. The upcoming conclave is going to be huge, and it’s definitely going to be interesting to see who emerges as the new leader of the Catholic Church. This whole episode has shone a spotlight on the traditional elements of papal succession, alongside the less traditional thoughts of Donald Trump.
