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By Anna Commander
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President Donald Trump joked on Tuesday that he'd like to be the next pope while answering questions from the media before heading to Michigan for a rally to mark his 100th day in office. The president also said there is a cardinal from New York that is "very good" as a potential pick.
Newsweek reached out to the Vatican via email for comment.
The Context
Pope Francis' death this month marked a time of mourning for millions of Catholics worldwide. Francis died from complications related to a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
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His funeral took place on Saturday in St. Peter's Square in front of heads of state, the clergy and the general public. Francis' body was laid to rest in St. Mary Major, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome.
Francis' leadership in the Catholic Church sparked distinguishable change, mainly with his views on the LGBT community.
What To Know
Speaking to reporters ahead of his trip to Michigan, Trump was asked about the upcoming conclave process and whom he would like to see as the next pope.
"I'd like to be pope," the president quipped. "That would be my number one choice. No, I don't know, I have no preference...I must say we have a cardinal [Timothy Dolan, who has been the archbishop of New York since 2009] that happens to be out of a place called New York who's very good.
"So, we'll see what happens."
Speculation has mounted over who could be the next pope as betting odds and social media chatter have swirled. According to bookmakers and Vatican analysts, there are a handful of potential candidates who have strong odds.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan is part of the Archdiocese of New York. He was named the Archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, according to his bio. Cardinal Dolan also participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis after Pope Benedict XVI resigned.
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What People Are Saying
Trump on Truth Social earlier this month: Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
Cardinal Dolan in a statement on the passing of Pope Francis: "I join with people all over the world, not only Catholics, but people of all faiths or none at all, in mourning the passing of our beloved Pope Francis this morning. How appropriate that his last public appearance was on Easter Sunday as we celebrated the joy of the resurrection of Jesus whom Pope Francis loved so deeply and so well, and right after our Jewish brothers and sisters, for whom Pope Francis had such great love, concluded their celebration of Passover.
"I was honored to participate in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013, and to have welcomed him here to New York in 2015. He touched us all with his simplicity, with his heart of a humble servant. Trusting in the tender and infinite mercy of Jesus, we pray that he is, even now, enjoying his eternal reward in heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace."
What Happens Next
The conclave process to select the next pope begins on May 7.
Update 04/29/25 4:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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