Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. This is an extraordinary moment for the Catholic Church and raises questions about the future direction of the Vatican’s leadership, afterthoughts from this historic event. His death has created an ongoing national time of mourning. At the same time, steps to elect a new pope will get underway on May 7th.
In the middle of this transition, former President Donald Trump stole the show with his jovial comments about the papacy. Speaking on a recent national radio interview, he jocosely expressed his desire to “be Pope.” His idiosyncratic sense of humor was everywhere evident too, even in the solemnity of a memorial event. What’s more, Trump’s comments have drawn tanks and laughter from the right and left.
When I asked Trump what he wanted to see in the new pope, he said “no preference.” Nevertheless, he seemed to imply that an American cardinal from New York might be the ideal choice for that role. This comment is a testimony to his commitment to directly conversing with religious leaders and bodies. It also points to his profound grasp of the world-widening effects of the papacy.
A conclave to elect the new pope will start on May 7. This process involves convening cardinals from around the world. As cardinals, they will gather in conclave to elect the future pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. The conclave is expected to draw significant attention as it unfolds, with many eager to see who will emerge as Pope Francis’s successor.
Leave a Reply