Trump’s ‘favorite cardinal’ played ‘kingmaker’ role in selection of new pope: Report

Published May 9, 2025 9:24pm ET



New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, an ally of President Donald Trump, played the role of “kingmaker” in the selection of Pope Leo XIV, according to a Friday report.

The Italian magazine il Giornale got hold of some of the first reports of intrigue from the secretive conclave that selected Leo as the first American pope on Thursday. Dolan, a major conservative figure in the church and ally to Trump, reportedly wielded decisive influence in getting the new pope elected.

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