Trump's unexpected endorsement: Cardinal Dolan for the papacy
First, Donald Trump joked during a conversation with reporters that he would like to become the pope himself, and then he suggested a specific candidate for the new head of the Church. This candidate is Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
Donald Trump recently made a surprising statement. The President of the United States unexpectedly declared that... he would like to become pope. "That'd be my number one choice," he said with a smile.
Later, however, he pointed out a specific candidate.
I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens, he noted.
"USA Today" notes that Donald Trump was referring to Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York. The newspaper immediately dubbed him "Trump's pick to be the next pope."
The President of the United States later told journalists that he doesn't have a particular favourite when it comes to the successor of Pope Francis. His suggestion, however, sparked discussions about the possibility of choosing a cardinal from the United States. This would be a historic situation, as an American has never before been pope.
Cardinal Dolan - one of the most recognizable Catholic clergy in the United States - is, however, an unlikely candidate. According to Reuters, he is not on the list of favourites. Meanwhile, another American cardinal, Joseph Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, is.
Even though past conclaves have brought surprises, choosing an American seems unlikely.
Who is Cardinal Timothy Dolan?
75-year-old Dolan led prayers during both of Donald Trump's presidential inaugurations. He frequently appears in media, both news and entertainment, and actively engages in social media - which has earned him the reputation of a clergy member with charisma and media savvy.
He was appointed the Archbishop of New York in 2009, and in 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the status of cardinal.
