US President has a recommendation: Trump on the conclave: "I would like to become Pope"

It's well known that US President Trump sees himself as destined for greater things. When asked who he would like to see as the new pope, he gives a clear answer: He himself is his first choice. However, he also suggests the Archbishop of New York, not without ulterior motives.

Nothing and no one is safe from US President Donald Trump's need for recognition – not even the Catholic Church. Asked who he would like to see as the next pope, Trump told reporters at the White House: "I would like to be pope. That would be my first choice." The 78-year-old then added: "No, I don't know. I don't have a preference." However, he added that there is an American cardinal "who happens to be from a place called New York and is very good." It remains to be seen what happens next.

Trump was likely referring to New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan – without mentioning his name. The conservative was already considered a possible candidate to succeed then-Pope Benedict in 2013. Dolan, 75, delivered the opening prayer at Trump's inauguration in January. In an interview with local broadcaster PIX11 in December, the cardinal said, "I believe in President Trump, and I believe that faith is growing." He also said he doesn't know "how someone without deep faith can be president of the United States." In the interview, he also recalled the two assassination attempts during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. "I think he's been resurrected a little bit." Trump knows that "something mystical happened there," the cardinal said.

Vatican announces details of the conclave

Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is about to elect a new leader. The conclave of cardinal electors begins on May 7. This afternoon, the Vatican announced the first details regarding the schedule for the conclave's start on Wednesday of next week. Accordingly, the cardinals will first gather in St. Peter's Basilica in the morning (10:00 a.m.) for the Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontefice" (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff). In the afternoon (4:15 p.m.), the cardinal electors will gather in the Cappella Paolina in the Apostolic Palace. From there, the procession to the Sistine Chapel will take place at 4:30 p.m.

The Vatican did not initially provide further details. However, after the solemn entry, the cardinals must traditionally promise under oath to observe the electoral regulations of the conclave and to maintain absolute secrecy regarding the election. The master of ceremonies then calls out "extra omnes" (everyone out) to all non-voters to leave the chapel. The way for the first round of voting is then clear on the first day. The subsequent voting cycle consists of two rounds in the morning and two in the afternoon. The new pope requires a two-thirds majority to be elected. There is no time limit for the conclave.

Two cardinals of the 135 eligible cardinals will be absent from the conclave. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters that the two clergymen had canceled their participation for health reasons. Bruni did not name any names. However, the 79-year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia, Antonio Cañizares, announced a week ago that he would not be able to travel to Rome for health reasons. The Archbishop Emeritus of Sarajevo, Vinko Puljic, apologized for the same reason. A few days after his cancellation, the 79-year-old told Radio Medjugorje that his doctor had finally authorized him to travel.