Overview

• President Donald Trump joked that he would like to be the next pope, calling it his 'number one choice,' during remarks to reporters on April 29.
• Trump clarified that he has no preference for the upcoming papal conclave but described Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as 'very good.'
• Cardinal Dolan remains a long-shot candidate, with experts noting the unlikelihood of an American being elected pope due to global Church dynamics.
• The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor will begin on May 7, with 135 cardinal electors participating in the secretive process.
• Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88, was laid to rest following his funeral on April 26, attended by world leaders including Trump.