Overview

• President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on April 29, joked that he would like to be the next pope, calling it his 'number one choice.'
• Trump clarified he has no strong preference but praised Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, describing him as 'very good.'
• The Vatican has confirmed the papal conclave will begin on May 7, with 135 cardinals gathering in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.
• Experts note that Cardinal Dolan, while prominent in the U.S., is considered a long-shot candidate for the papacy due to historical and geopolitical factors.
• Trump's remarks have spurred social media reactions, including humor and criticism, with Senator Lindsey Graham jokingly endorsing the idea of a 'Pope-Trump' candidacy.