Trump wants to be Pope? A surprising joke from the ex-president!

Trump wants to be Pope? A surprising joke from the ex-president!

In a recent interview, former US President Donald Trump humorously commented on the question of whether he would like to become pope. Trump declared: "I would like to be pope. That would be my first choice." Despite his joke, he added that he had no specific preference for a successor to Pope Francis. In this context he mentioned a “very good” American cardinal from New York without naming him, presumably referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

Cardinal Dolan is considered a long-time supporter of Trump, saying a prayer at the Capitol during the former president's inauguration. However, he has repeatedly dismissed rumors of his possible candidacy for the papacy in 2013. Trump's statement comes as the Catholic Church faces the election of a new leader following the recent death of Pope Francis. The conclave of cardinal electors is scheduled for May 7th.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan's role and his views

Cardinal Dolan, who turns 75 on February 6, 2024, has a complex stance on current social issues. He has been active in leadership positions within the Catholic Church in the United States for almost 25 years. Despite his allegiance to Trump, he has in the past criticized Republican immigration plans and advocated for opening Catholic hospitals for transgender people while opposing gender reassignment surgeries. Dolan is seen as a key figure balancing influence between liberal and conservative views in the church.

The upcoming conclave will be attended by 252 cardinals, 135 of whom are currently eligible to vote. These cardinals play a crucial role in selecting the new pope and leading the church during the transition period. Among them is Munich Archbishop Reinhard Marx, who emphasized that he wanted to take part in the conclave despite a recent broken shoulder and his health limitations.

The path to the new pope

The College of Cardinals is faced with the challenge of electing new leadership for the Catholic Church. The debates and informal meetings among the cardinals have already begun. Cologne Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki reported on these discussions about the future of the church as preparations for the conclave are in full swing.

The nomination and election of a new pope also significantly influences the future direction of the Catholic Church. Discussions within the cardinals will determine which themes and views will dominate in the coming years and how the Church responds to changing social challenges.

The election of the new pope represents changes and challenges for the Catholic community. The election will determine not only the future of the papacy, but also that of the entire Church in an increasingly diverse world.