Donald Trump responded to the news of Pope Francis’ successor by joking that he wanted to be the next pope. Pope Francis, 88, died last month at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. There were numerous hypotheses regarding who might be the next pope to lead the Church, with eight cardinals being identified as potential successors.
Furthermore, it was stated earlier today that the conclave had officially chosen his successor following the end of its very confidential meeting. Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, is proclaimed the new Pope. His papal name is Pope Leo XIV. How does Donald Trump feel about someone else winning the title? He joked about being the next pope and posted a “blasphemous” photo of himself as the pope.
Given that an American has assumed the role of head of the Church, the President has no reservations about “losing out” on the title to someone else. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was recently named Pope. It is a great privilege to recognize that he is the first American Pope. What an exciting time, and what a great honor for our country.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It’ll be a very significant moment!” In fact, Pope Leo XIV was the first American pope, having been born in Chicago. Prior to this, he was the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013 and the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 until 2023. After a delegation of the Catholic church’s most senior members traveled to Rome to take on the monumental task of selecting the next pope, the historic announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The number of papal electors is often limited to 120, despite the fact that there are more than 240 cardinals worldwide.
Additionally, cardinals can only vote if they are under the age of 80. Furthermore, 138 eligible voters reportedly cast ballots under Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, up to four votes per day for the previous two days, resulting in a two-thirds majority vote in favor of Pope Leo XIV. Will Trump have greater luck next time?