Washington, D.C. – In a lighthearted moment during a recent interview, former President Donald Trump quipped that he’d like to be pope, calling it his “number one choice” before quickly adding, “No, I don’t know, I have no preference.” The tongue-in-cheek remark came as part of a wide-ranging conversation where Trump also praised Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York since 2009, describing him as “very good.”
Trump’s comments, made with his characteristic blend of humor and spontaneity, sparked a mix of amusement and curiosity online. The former president did not elaborate on why he singled out Cardinal Dolan, a prominent figure known for his charismatic leadership and conservative stances within the Catholic Church. Dolan has served as a key religious leader in New York, often engaging with political figures across the spectrum.
While the idea of Trump aspiring to the papacy is clearly a jest, the mention of Dolan raised eyebrows, with some speculating whether it was a nod to the cardinal’s influence or simply a passing compliment. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with reactions, ranging from memes imagining Trump in papal attire to discussions about Dolan’s potential as a Vatican contender.
The Vatican has not commented on Trump’s remarks, and Cardinal Dolan’s office declined to respond, leaving the exchange as a quirky footnote in Trump’s ongoing public commentary. For now, it seems the former president is content to keep the conversation lively, even if the papal throne remains a humorous fantasy.
