In a move that left many scratching their heads, Senator Lindsey Graham suggested on Tuesday that Donald Trump could be a serious contender to become the next Pope. Yes, you read that correctly—Donald Trump, the former president, potentially leading the Catholic Church.
In a bizarre post on X (formerly Twitter), Graham wrote, “I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!” He followed up with: “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides” and jokingly concluded, “Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”—an apparent reference to Trump’s possible 2028 campaign and the traditional white smoke that signals the election of a new pope.
Graham’s comments come just days after Trump himself mused on the possibility of becoming pope, stating to reporters outside the White House, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” Although he later walked back the statement, saying he had “no preference,” the idea of Trump becoming pope has taken root—at least in the mind of some MAGA faithful.
A Joke or Dangerous Obsession?
Let’s be clear: The idea of Trump becoming pope is nothing short of ridiculous. Not only is it offensive to millions of Catholics who take their faith seriously, but it is also a distraction from the real challenges facing the Church and the world.
Pope Francis recently passed away, and the Vatican is in the process of preparing for a papal conclave to elect a new leader. The Catholic Church, a global institution with a history of profound spiritual guidance, deserves a pope who can represent the values of humility, compassion, and peace—not someone who spent his presidency embroiled in scandals, divisive rhetoric, and a disregard for human rights.
Graham’s Push for ‘Pope Trump’ Is Absurd
It’s not just Graham’s comments that are concerning—it’s the larger political gamesmanship behind them. The idea that Trump, who has been openly criticized for his racist policies, xenophobic rhetoric, and disrespect for faith, could be taken seriously as a spiritual leader is an insult to the core values of both the Catholic Church and American democracy.
Graham’s call for the papal conclave to “keep an open mind” about Trump’s potential candidacy is not just a joke—it’s a dangerous undermining of the spiritual integrity that the papacy requires. The Pope is supposed to be a symbol of peace, justice, and humility—not an embodiment of the self-serving, authoritarian tendencies that Trump represents.
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Trump’s Desperation Is on Full Display
Trump’s comments about wanting to be pope have all the hallmarks of his usual ego-driven antics—from claiming to be the savior of the country to now positioning himself as a global spiritual leader. It’s an embarrassing display of narcissism and grandiosity, and it reflects just how disconnected Trump has become from the reality of his own failure to serve the public good.
Not only did Trump fail miserably to represent all Americans during his presidency, but he also consistently demonstrated a lack of empathy for the marginalized and the vulnerable—two qualities that are central to the role of any religious leader, particularly the Pope. His comments show a man desperate for attention, not spiritual leadership.
Graham’s Comments Reflect a Dangerous Trend
Graham’s ridiculous endorsement of Trump for pope is more than just a poorly timed joke—it’s part of a larger trend of making light of serious political and spiritual matters. By proposing Trump as a pope, Graham reduces the sanctity of the papacy to just another political stunt, undermining the spiritual mission that the Catholic Church holds dear.
This trivialization of sacred institutions is not only offensive, but it also speaks to a deeper problem in American politics, where everything—from religion to democracy—becomes a tool for personal gain and partisan warfare.
I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025
The first Pope-U.S. President combination has… pic.twitter.com/MM9vE5Uvzb
The Church Deserves Better
With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church deserves a spiritual leader who can heal divisions, promote justice, and live up to the Church’s core principles. Trump—whose presidency was marked by division, hate, and disregard for basic human dignity—is the last person who should be considered for this role.
As for Graham, maybe it’s time to get a grip and step away from this absurdity. The Catholic Church and its billions of followers deserve more than political gamesmanship from individuals who seek to exploit sacred traditions for political gain.
