Trump jokes his choice for next pope is himself: ‘I’d like to be pope!’

Published April 29, 2025 4:43pm ET



President Donald Trump joked that he would “like to be pope” when asked who would succeed the late Pope Francis, clarifying that he does not have “a preference.”

Catholic cardinals say the Conclave, which will select the next pope, will begin on May 7, just a few weeks after Francis died following Easter Sunday. Just before heading to Michigan, Trump took several questions from reporters, one of which was related to who could be the next pope.

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