President Donald Trump has stirred up some buzz with a recent joke about wanting to be the next pope. This light-hearted comment came after Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on Truth Social, which quickly went viral. The post followed his attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome just days earlier.
During a public appearance, Trump humorously stated, "I’d like to be pope. That’d be my number one choice," before clarifying that he was joking. He then mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, as a serious contender for the position. The Vatican is currently in the process of selecting a new pope, following the passing of Pope Francis.
The announcement of Pope Francis’s death has set off a series of events leading up to the conclave, where cardinals will gather to vote for the next pope on May 7. Unlike political elections, this process is characterized by prayer and reflection rather than campaigning.
Reactions to Trump’s joke have been mixed. Some found it amusing, while others deemed it inappropriate. Critics have pointed out that similar memes featuring Trump have previously faced backlash for being irreverent. However, some commentators, like Townhall columnist Dustan Grage, defended the humor, suggesting that many of the complaints came from those who might not share the same values.
As the Vatican prepares for this significant transition, Trump’s quip adds a layer of unexpected commentary on the proceedings. The list of potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis is extensive, including notable figures like Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Trump’s remarks and the accompanying image have certainly captured attention, reflecting his knack for blending humor with current events. As the world watches the Vatican, it will be interesting to see how this playful comment resonates amid the serious task of selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church.