President Donald Trump has shared his preference for the next pope, a choice that might surprise many.
Following the passing of Pope Francis at 88 on Easter Monday (April 21), Trump attended the funeral, and cardinals are set to convene in a confidential conclave next week to select the new pope.
About 135 cardinals from various countries will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome, but Trump does not favor any of them.
When asked who he would like to see as the next pope on the White House lawn, the 78-year-old Republican’s response was unexpected. Listen to his answer:
He said: “I’d like to be pope – that’d be my number one choice.”
Although he was joking, his comments have unsettled many people.
On Twitter, reactions included: “A convicted pope,” and another said: “Let me guess, ‘I’d be a better pope than any past pope’.”
One user humorously suggested: “If he becomes pope, then perhaps there will be historic changes in the religious system.”
Another commented: “Why yes. Clearly Trump has a clear grasp on Catholicism. Question? If he doesn’t get two thirds vote from the College of Cardinals, will Trump accuse the papacy of cheating?”
Despite the jest, Trump, along with some MAGA supporters, would be ineligible for consideration.
Eligibility for the papacy requires one to be Catholic, starting with baptism.
Trump, being a Christian, would need to convert to Catholicism by next Wednesday, making his chances of becoming pope practically impossible.
Some supported Trump, with one stating: “Trump would be an excellent Pope!” and another asking: “I think he was joking – right?”
Another laughed: “Hahaahahahahha! Even the people that don’t like Trump have to admit, this was funny!”
And another remarked: “Trump is the best Troller that the world has ever seen.”
Trump’s religious beliefs have been questioned previously; back in 2015, he claimed the Bible as his favorite book during his presidential campaign.
When a CNN reporter inquired about his favorite verse, he said: “I wouldn’t want to get into it. Because to me, that’s very personal.
“The Bible means a lot to me, but I don’t want to get into specifics.”
When asked whether he preferred the New or Old Testaments, he answered: “Probably equal. I think it’s just incredible.”