NewsTrump jokes about papacy, praises New York cardinal

Trump jokes about papacy, praises New York cardinal

Donald Trump surprised journalists by joking that he would like to become the pope. "That would be my No. 1 choice," he added. In a more serious tone, he mentioned a cardinal from New York.

They asked Trump about the conclave. A surprising answer
They asked Trump about the conclave. A surprising answer
Images source: © PAP | FABIO FRUSTACI, WILL OLIVER
Sara Bounaoui

What do you need to know?

  • Donald Trump was asked for his opinion on the upcoming conclave during a conversation with journalists before his flight to Michigan.
  • The conclave, where the successor to Pope Francis will be chosen, will begin on May 7th. A total of 133 cardinals will participate.
  • Trump mentioned the "cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York," highlighting his merits, but did not express a clear preference for the selection of the new pope.

What were Donald Trump's words?

During the conversation with journalists, Donald Trump was asked for his opinion on the upcoming conclave.

In response, the former President of the USA joked that he would like to become pope, which he said would be his "No. 1 choice." Then, in a more serious tone, he stated that he has no preference for the choice of a new pope, but mentioned the cardinal from New York, whom he described as "very good."

When will the conclave take place?

The conclave, during which the successor to Pope Francis will be chosen, will begin on May 7th. A total of 133 cardinals will participate in the event.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, and according to canon law, the conclave must start no earlier than 15, and no later than 20 days after the pope's death.

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