Trump's Jest for the Top Seat: A Possible Pope?
Donald Trump Expresses Preferred Successor of Pope Francis Revealed
In a lighter moment, U.S. President Donald Trump joked about becoming pope, expressing his interest as his top choice, following the passing of Pope Francis at 88. When questioned by reporters about who he'd like to see in his successor's shoes, Trump quipped, "I'd love to be pope. That'd be my number one choice."
Though his statement was made in jest, Trump later clarified he had no specific preference, but noted, "a cardinal from a place called New York who's quite good." His comment was referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, despite Dolan not being a front-runner in the succession race. The reported front-runner for the position is Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey. To date, no American has graced the papacy.
Trump and the late Pope Francis shared a tumultuous relationship, primarily over the pontiff's public appeals for kindness towards migrants, a stance at odds with Trump's during his tenure as president. Despite the disagreements, Trump and First Lady Melania attended the funeral mass of Pope Francis, who was the first pope from Latin America, over the weekend.
Vatican's Grand Showdown: The Conclave Begins May 7
Around 135 Catholic cardinals are set to participate in a closed-door conclave on May 7 to elect the next pope. As of now, no clear front-runner has emerged.
When it comes to the top contenders, possibilities abound:
- Cardinal Peter Erdo: The Archbishop of Budapest, Hungary, recognized for his conservative viewpoints yet respected by liberals. He advocates for outreach to Orthodox Christians and holds a balanced stance on migration.[1][2]
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline: A preferred successor by Pope Francis himself and backed by those supporting the Pope Francis agenda.[2]
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Highly regarded for his diplomatic skills, making him a strong candidate for the papacy.[2]
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: Considered a front-runner, although less is known about his specific views compared to others.[2]
These contenders represent prominent frontrunners in a larger pool of potential successors, with the conclave yet to reach a decision.
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- The presidency of the United States and the papacy, two prestigious positions, have seen Donald Trump expressing his jest for the latter, stating he'd love to be pope as his top choice.
- In Nigerian news, the country's representatives were seen in discussions with other senior diplomats, delving into the trade policies of President Trump.
- Meanwhile, the Vatican is preparing for a grand showdown, as 135 cardinals are set to gather on May 7 for a conclave, aiming to elect the next pope, with no clear frontrunner as of yet.
- Among the top contenders for the papal throne, Cardinal Peter Erdo, known for his conservative viewpoints yet respected by liberals, is under consideration.
- The papacy bid also includes Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, a preferred successor by Pope Francis himself, supported by those endorsing the Pope Francis agenda.
