{"id":2433113,"date":"2025-05-09T21:57:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T01:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trumps-favorite-cardinal-played-kingmaker-role-in-pope-selection-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T21:58:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T01:58:32","slug":"trumps-favorite-cardinal-played-kingmaker-role-in-pope-selection-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trumps-favorite-cardinal-played-kingmaker-role-in-pope-selection-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump&#8217;s &#8216;favorite cardinal&#8217; played &#8216;kingmaker&#8217; role in pope selection &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftrumps-favorite-cardinal-played-kingmaker-role-in-pope-selection-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2433113&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>According to a report by Italian magazine *il Giornale*, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a close ally of former president Donald Trump, played a pivotal role in the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.Dolan was influential in rallying votes from cardinals across the Americas and former British territories, arguing that Leo XIV&#8217;s diverse cultural background woudl benefit the Church&#8217;s missionary efforts. Although Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin was initially favored, he struggled to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sen-john-cornyn-and-senate-gop-introduce-concealed-carry-reciprocity-bill\/\" title=\"Sen. John Cornyn and Senate GOP Introduce Concealed-Carry Reciprocity Bill\">gain support<\/a> from Asian and African cardinals and was hindered by his controversial dealings with China. Dolan celebrated the election outcome, expressing honor in his meaningful involvement and conveying optimism for the future of the Church.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Trump&rsquo;s &lsquo;favorite cardinal&rsquo; played &lsquo;kingmaker&rsquo; role in selection of new pope: Report<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2117988\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, an ally of President <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Donald Trump\">Donald Trump<\/a>, played the role of &ldquo;kingmaker&rdquo; in the selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pope-leo-xiv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Donald Trump\">Pope Leo XIV<\/a>, according to a Friday report.<\/p>\n<p>The Italian magazine <em>il Giornale<\/em> got hold of some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilgiornale.it\/news\/politica\/parolin-e-litalia-i-grandi-delusi-rimasto-senza-voti-africa-2476395.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"first reports of intrigue\">first reports of intrigue<\/a> from the secretive conclave that selected Pope Leo XIV as the first ever American pope on Thursday. Dolan, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/to-americas-virtue-signaling-elite-ukraine-is-the-new-black-lives-matter\/\" title=\"To America\u2019s Virtue Signaling Elite, Ukraine Is The New \u2018Black Lives Matter\u2019\">major conservative figure<\/a> in the church and ally to Trump, reportedly wielded decisive influence in getting the new pope chosen.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3407007\/pope-leo-xiv-traditional-robes-fashion-accommodations\/\">Pope Leo XIV leans into traditional papal fashion and accommodations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3407215\/pakistan-x-account-video-game-footage-downing-indian-plane-arma\/\">Pakistan X <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >account posts video game footage claiming<\/a> to show downing of Indian plane<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3406431\/pope-leo-xiv-first-mass-supreme-pontiff\/\">Pope Leo XIV holds first Mass as supreme pontiff, urges evangelization against &#8216;loss of meaning&#8217;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The favored candidate going in was Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, an acolyte of former Pope Francis. Despite rallying votes before the conclave, he failed to gather critical support from the Asian and African cardinals.<\/p>\n<p>Parolin was also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3397998\/pope-contender-cardinal-pietro-parolin-china-issue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"weakened\">weakened<\/a> by his role in crafting a provisional&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/hong-kong-catholic-cardinal-zen-prosecuted-china\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deal between the Vatican and China<\/a>. The specific terms of the deal, which were first agreed to in September 2018 and then renewed in October 2020 and October 2022, remain a secret.<\/p>\n<p>The deal aimed to quash the primary source of contention, the appointment of bishops, which is a modern-day form of the Medieval&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldhistory.org\/Investiture_Controversy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Investiture controversy<\/a>. The 2018 deal was secretive but involved a joint Beijing-Rome commission to appoint bishops, a provision&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/1874479\/vatican-condemns-china-for-violating-secretive-deal-on-bishops\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">violated by China<\/a>&nbsp;in November 2022. Many Catholics, including those in the underground Chinese Church, were highly critical of the deal, which they viewed as selling out the faithful to Beijing.<\/p>\n<p><em>Il Giornale<\/em>, citing observers, said Dolan was decisive in rallying voters from North and South America, along with those in former territories of the British Empire &mdash; including India, South Africa, and Pacific possessions like Tonga. He argued that the now-pope would be the best fit for the missionary aim of the Catholic Church, while keeping his roots in the world&rsquo;s largest superpower.<\/p>\n<p>Dolan also allegedly argued that Leo XIV&rsquo;s roots as a man of many cultures, coming from French, Italian, and Spanish origins, would help to unite the Church.<\/p>\n<p>The article also noted Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem was rejected for being viewed as too political, due to controversies in the Holy Land.<\/p>\n<p>Dolan, known for his social media presence, celebrated the results of the conclave in a post on X, hinting at his role in the election.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m just so honored as a priest, as well as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a child of God, as a faithful Catholic, I hope, as a priest, Bishop, and Cardinal, to have been a big part of it. And I think you&rsquo;re all excited too,&rdquo; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Dolan relayed a conversation he had with his nephew, who said he was glad Dolan wasn&rsquo;t crowned pope so the family could continue to see him.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m kind of glad for the church that I&rsquo;m not Pope either, but it&rsquo;s a great moment of exhilaration and hope and promise for the church,&rdquo; he quipped.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Habemus Papam! I&rsquo;m honored as a disciple of Jesus Christ, as a priest, Bishop, and Cardinal to have been a big part of it. It&rsquo;s a great moment of exhilaration, hope, and promise for the Church!<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/thegnewsroom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@thegnewsroom<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pXhim97iZK\">pic.twitter.com\/pXhim97iZK<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CardinalDolan\/status\/1920843847384399906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/3399761\/trump-cardinal-dolan-pope-american-pontiff-unlikely\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"TRUMP LIKES CARDINAL DOLAN FOR POPE, BUT AN AMERICAN PONTIFF SEEMS A NON-STARTER\">TRUMP LIKES CARDINAL DOLAN FOR POPE, BUT AN AMERICAN PONTIFF SEEMS A NON-STARTER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After joking that he would like to be pope, Trump revealed that Dolan was his preference for pope when asked by reporters before the conclave.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t know, I have no preference,&rdquo; Trump said, though noted, &ldquo;I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who&rsquo;s very good, so we&rsquo;ll see what happens.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2117988\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2117988\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trump&#8217;s &#8216;favorite cardinal&#8217; was a key player in choosing the new pope, report says<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2653,"featured_media":2433114,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Timothy-Dolan.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[14328,28830,54825,3634,32076],"class_list":["post-2433113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-cardinal","tag-kingmaker","tag-pope-selection","tag-trump","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Timothy-Dolan.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2433113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2653"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2433113"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2433113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2433117,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2433113\/revisions\/2433117"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2433114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2433113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2433113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2433113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}