Graham Endorses Trump as Potential Pope Ahead of Conclave

Following the death of Pope Francis, President Donald Trump jokingly suggested he would like to be the next Pope, calling it his 'number one choice' when asked by reporters. Senator Lindsey Graham amplified the quip on social media, humorously endorsing Trump as a 'dark horse candidate' and urging the papal conclave and Catholics to keep an open mind, while referencing the historic notion of a Pope–U.S. President combination. The comments come as the Vatican prepares for a papal conclave starting May 7, which will involve 135 cardinals selecting the next Pope. Notably, canon law does not require the Pope to be a cardinal, priest, or bishop, but the candidate must be Catholic; Trump, however, identifies as a nondenominational Christian. The lighthearted exchange drew significant online attention, with figures like Meghan McCain dismissing the idea, and highlighted contrasts between Trump and the late Pope Francis on issues such as immigration and climate change.