Donald Trump Pitches for Pope Role, Hints at Cardinal Dolan Support
Trump expresses his desire to become the pope during a meeting with cardinals.
Let's face it, President Trump just can't help but aim high! In a surprising turn of events, the US President has declared his dream of becoming the next Pope, should the opportunity present itself. While speaking to reporters at the White House, he quipped, "I'd be lying if I said no. I'd love to be Pope. That'd be my first choice." However, he hastily added, "I don't have a preference." He then subtly hinted at Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, a potential candidate, without mentioning his name.
The Catholic Church is gearing up for the election of a new head following Pope Francis' demise. The conclave of electing cardinals is set to begin on May 7, with the Vatican announcing the first details of the timetable for the same. Cardinals will gather at St. Peter's Basilica in the morning for the mass, followed by a swearing-in ceremony in the afternoon, before the solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel.
The Vatican has not released further details, but tradition dictates that the cardinals must swear to abide by the election rules and maintain secrecy about the voting process. The new Pope requires a two-thirds majority for election, and there is no time limit for the conclave. Two cardinals will miss the conclave due to health reasons, but the Vatican has not disclosed their names.
While Trump's statement about becoming the Pope seems more like a publicity stunt, it's worth noting that Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, had been considered a possible successor to Pope Benedict in 2013. Dolan attended Trump's inauguration and spoke the opening prayer. In a December 2021 interview with local station PIX11, Dolan expressed support for Trump, saying, "I believe in President Trump and I believe that faith is growing." He also mentioned that "someone without deep faith can't be President of the United States." He also hinted at Trump's divine intervention after two assassination attempts during his 2024 campaign.
However, the search results do not mention Cardinal Dolan or any endorsement from Trump as a potential candidate for the papacy. The election is likely to be influenced by other factors, such as diplomatic relations, regional representation, and the Church's stance on social issues. Some potential candidates include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdo, Cardinal Luis Tagle, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, among others. Nevertheless, the unpredictable nature of the conclave ensures that the final decision will likely surprise many.
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the situation in the Middle East, given the ongoing political discourse and the possible influence of Cardinal Dolan, who has been supportive of Donald Trump, a potential presidential candidate for a higher role - possibly the Pope.
- Despite Trump's playful hints at Cardinal Dolan as a potential candidate for the papacy, it's important to note that the Pope's role encompasses a broader scope beyond politics, involving issues such as general news, crime and justice, social-media, entertainment, and even crime-and-justice, making both the role and the candidate eligible for a vigorous scrutiny.
- In the midst of the Vatican's secrecy about the voting process and the designated cardinals for the upcoming election, Pope's suggestions like that of Cardinal Dolan might surface on various platforms, including WhatsApp and other social media networks, as people express their opinions and speculations about the upcoming papal conclave.
- Certainly, Cardinal Dolan's religious stance and political affiliations have sparked debates within religious circles as well as the secular world, with many seeing his potential candidacy for the papacy as controversial, given his close relationship with a divisive political figure like Trump.
- Regardless, as the conclave approaches, the Church and its cardinals will face tough decisions, balancing the political, religious, and personal aspects of the candidates such as Cardinal Dolan, who continue to draw attention and speculation from diverse corners, including the European Parliament and political leaders like Trump.
