Donald Trump's 'I'd like to be pope' breaks internet as world awaits new Vatican head - Video
Written By Navashree Nandini
Published: Apr 30, 2025, 06:05 IST | Updated: Apr 30, 2025, 06:05 IST
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World | US President Donald Trump joked that he would like to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.
US President Donald Trump joked on Wednesday (Apr 30) that he would like to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. His comments come as the Vatican City is preparing for the next head of the Catholic Church.
"I'd like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice," Donald Trump stated when asked whom he would like to see become the next Catholic pontiff.
Trump was speaking to reporters while leaving for Michigan for an event marking his 100th day in office. While stating he had no particular favourite, the US President mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, as someone who could be "very good" for the role.
"No, I don't know, I have no preference, guys. I might say we have a Cardinal who happens to be out of a place called New York who is very good. So we'll see what happens," Trump added.
President Trump: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.” He goes on to suggest that Cardinal Dolan of New York would make a good pontiff.
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Netizens on the internet had a good laugh as the video of Trump's statement went viral.
๐ค Journalist: Who would you like to see as the new Pope?
๐บ๐ธ Trump: I would like to be Pope
Oh dear! pic.twitter.com/kpYmte5ITY
๐บ๐ธ Trump: I would like to be Pope
Oh dear! pic.twitter.com/kpYmte5ITY
After nine days of mourning pope Pope Francis' funeral, known as the “novendiali,” the process of selecting the new Pope will begin. During this period, the world's 252 cardinals will arrive in Rome. Of the 252, only 138 under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. The cardinals will vote in secret sessions, and the ballots will be burned in a special stove after each session. Black smoke will indicate that no pope has been elected, while white smoke will indicate that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.