Graham jokes Trump should be the next pope – Washington Examiner
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) humorously suggested that former President Donald Trump should be considered as a potential candidate for the papacy following the death of Pope Francis. This comment was made in light of Trump’s own joking remark about wanting to become pope. Graham expressed excitement over the idea, calling it a “dark horse” candidacy and advised the papal conclave to keep an open mind about the possibility. While acknowledging that Trump, a baptized Catholic male, technically qualifies for the position, he noted that Trump is likely too occupied with his presidential duties for the role. Additionally, Trump himself mentioned he has no strong preference for the next pope, jokingly adding that he would like to be the choice. He did suggest Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New york, as a potential candidate. Graham’s comments culminated in an invitation for the public to look out for the “white smoke,” indicating a new pope has been elected.
Graham jokes Trump should be the next pope
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) joked Tuesday that President Donald Trump should be the next pope as the Vatican looks to select a new leader after Pope Francis’s death.
Graham’s remarks came in response to Trump saying that he’d “like to be pope.”
“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope,” he said in a post on X. “This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!”
Any baptized Catholic male is eligible to be pope, though Trump would likely be distracted by his presidential duties in the very unlikely event that the conclave of cardinals elects him. Graham added to watch for the white smoke, indicative that a new pope has been elected, as opposed to black smoke, which means they are still deliberating.
“The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides,” he added. “Watching for white smoke. … Trump MMXXVIII!”
I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!
The first Pope-U.S. President combination has… pic.twitter.com/MM9vE5Uvzb
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025
When asked who he wanted as the next pope, Trump joked, “I’d like to be pope. That’d be my No. 1 choice.”
He then said, “No, I don’t know, I have no preference.” He suggested the archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, who hosted Trump at the Al Smith Dinner before the election.
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“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 said.
Trump is not running to be pope, but Dolan is a much more likely choice. He still faces a host of competitors but would be the first-ever American pope.
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