The answer provided by Donald Trump when asked who should be the new Pope: “This would be my number one choice”
US President Donald Trump told, in jest, that he would like to be the next pope, answering the questions asked by journalists before heading to Michigan for a rally meant to mark his 100th day.
Donald Trump jokes by saying that he should be the new Pontiff Photo: Cypress/X
Asked on Tuesday, April 29, in front of the White House, who thinks that the new Pope should be, given that the cardinals will meet next week in Conclav to choose the new head of the Catholic Church after Pope Francis's death, Trump replied, smiling: “Like Pope? I would love to be a pope. That would be my number one choice”.
He continued to say that he did not have a preference for who should be the new Pontiff, but suggested that Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York could be a good choice.
“I don't know. I do not have a preference ”he said. “But I must say that we have a cardinal from a place called New York which is very good, so we will see what happens“He added.
Pope Francis's death on April 21, on the second day of Easter, marked a mourning period for millions of Catholics around the world. His funeral took place on Saturday, April 26, in Saint Peter Square, in front of the heads of state, clergy and general public.
The Vatican cardinals chose May 7 to start the conclave and choose a new leader for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. In order to become a pope it is necessary for the respective candidate to obtain two thirds plus one of the votes of the cardinal present.
If the majority is not obtained, the ballots are burned in a stove, and a special dust is added over them that makes the smoke black, the record for those waiting in San Pietro Square that has not yet been chosen a new pope.
If the majority of the first round is obtained, the same procedure is repeated, only this time the smoke will make a news that a new pope has been appointed.
After this moment, a cardinal comes out in the balcony of the cathedral and speaks the famous phrase “Habemus Papam”.
