• President Donald Trump jokingly expressed interest in becoming the next Pope during a press briefing, sparking humor and controversy online.
• Senator Lindsey Graham shared the comment on social media, leading to polarized reactions, with some criticizing the timing during Pope Francis’ mourning period.
• While Trump is not eligible to become Pope due to his non-denominational Christian faith, the remarks have reignited debates on the intersection of religion and politics.

President Donald Trump made headlines this week after jokingly expressing interest in becoming the next Pope during a casual conversation with reporters. The remark came in light of the upcoming papal conclave, set to begin May 7, following the passing of Pope Francis. Senator Lindsey Graham appeared to endorse the idea on social media, igniting both humor and criticism online.

This development has raised questions about the intersection of religion and politics, with Graham’s comments sparking heated debate among Catholics, political commentators, and social media users alike.

What Did President Trump Say?

During a press briefing marking his 100th day in office, President Trump was asked who he thought should succeed Pope Francis. In a lighthearted moment, he quipped, “I’d like to be Pope, that would be my number one choice.” Trump later clarified his comments, stating, “No, I don’t know, I have no preference. We have a cardinal out of New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens.”

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Although the statement was delivered as a joke, it quickly went viral, with Senator Lindsey Graham sharing a clip of the exchange on X (formerly Twitter). Graham added his own tongue-in-cheek comment, encouraging the papal conclave to “keep an open mind” about the possibility of a “President-Trump-Pope combination.”

Public Reaction and Backlash

The remarks generated immediate and polarized reactions. Critics accused Graham of being disrespectful to Catholics mourning Pope Francis. Some Twitter users called the suggestion “absurd” and “deeply disturbing,” while others argued that Graham’s comment was a lighthearted joke that shouldn’t be taken seriously.

One critic wrote, “Is my Catholicism a joke to you, Lindsey? We are in a 10-day mourning period for Pope Francis.” Another described the situation as “like a clown car flying off the rails.”

Supporters, however, defended Graham’s comments as harmless humor. A user responded, “He’s joking, guys. It’s not that deep.” Still, the polarized reactions highlight the sensitive nature of discussing religious traditions during a period of mourning.

Can President Trump Become Pope?

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While the idea may seem far-fetched, it’s worth noting that the official requirements to become pope include being a baptized Catholic male. Cardinals under 80 years of age are eligible to vote in the conclave. President Trump identifies as a non-denominational Christian, which technically disqualifies him as a candidate.

Despite this, the hypothetical scenario has reignited discussions about the role of religion in political discourse, with some questioning whether such remarks trivialize religious practices.

What Happens Next?

As the papal conclave approaches, all eyes will turn to the Vatican City as cardinals gather to elect the next pope. The process, steeped in centuries of tradition, includes secret deliberations and voting. Meanwhile, the public response to this week’s comments underscores the growing interplay between faith and politics in modern public discourse.

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