In a surprising twist, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed support for former President Donald Trump to become the next pope following the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, due to complications from a stroke, marking a profound moment of mourning for Catholics globally. His death initiated a conclave set to begin on May 7, where cardinals will convene to elect a successor to the widely viewed progressive leader of the Catholic Church, noted for his focus on compassion for immigrants and global climate issues.
On the day of Pope Francis’s passing, Trump humorously suggested to reporters that he would like to be elected pope, stating, “I’d like to be pope,” while headed to a rally in Michigan celebrating his first 100 days in office. Later, Graham enthusiastically endorsed Trump’s “dark horse” candidacy on X (formerly Twitter), urging the papal conclave and the Catholic faithful to consider this unprecedented combination of a Pope who is also a U.S. President. He presented the idea as a potential upside, suggesting it could bring about significant changes within the Church.
Despite Graham’s excitement, Trump’s relationship with Pope Francis has been historically contentious. The former president often clashed with the Pope on critical issues, particularly immigration and climate change. Francis advocated for empathy towards immigrants and a global cooperative approach to combating climate change, while Trump frequently dismissed such concerns, labeling undocumented immigrants as “foreign terrorists” and refuting the seriousness of global warming. These ideological divergences raised questions about the compatibility of Trump’s candidacy with the priorities of the Catholic Church, especially in light of Francis’s mission.
In response to the Pope’s death, Trump expressed condolences on social media, stating, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” He ultimately attended Francis’s funeral, despite initially being uncertain about his attendance. The former president’s engagement in this significant ecclesiastical event showcased his desire to maintain visibility and relevance within both political and religious spheres amid ongoing discussions about his potential future endeavors.
Reactions following Pope Francis’s death emerged from various political leaders. Former President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, honored the late Pope as a champion for the powerless and an advocate for the vulnerable throughout his long career. Biden remarked on Francis’s unique legacy, stating, “I am better for having known him.” Similarly, former President Barack Obama noted the Pope’s ability to inspire others through his humility and gestures of compassion, emphasizing how Francis reminded the world of collective moral obligations. Other notable figures, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, also shared fond memories of the Pope, highlighting his joyful spirit and infectious laughter.
As the papal conclave approaches, cardinals decided to postpone the start date for two days, aiming to foster better relationships among themselves before casting their votes. This extended timeline reflects the significance of the decision that lies ahead, as cardinals from around the world work towards a consensus on who will succeed Pope Francis, guiding the faithful into the future. Graham’s endorsement of Trump serves as a reminder of the intertwining nature of politics and religion, even as the Catholic Church prepares for profound leadership changes in the wake of Francis’s influential tenure.
