In true Trump fashion, the former president has once again waded into territory that few American politicians dare to tread — the inner workings of the Vatican. During a recent appearance at a conservative political event, Donald Trump was asked an off-the-cuff question about who he thought should succeed Pope Francis. What followed was a moment that left both Catholics and non-Catholics stunned — and not necessarily in a good way.
The Unexpected Question
While taking questions from the audience at the "Faith and Freedom Coalition" event in Orlando, Trump was asked for his thoughts on the next pope, given recent health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and the ongoing chatter in religious circles about a possible transition. The question seemed innocent enough — perhaps intended to steer the conversation toward faith and global leadership.
However, Trump’s answer took a sharp turn into controversy.
Trump’s “Recommendation” for the Papacy
Instead of offering a diplomatic or respectful response, Trump pivoted to his familiar brand of blunt political commentary.
“We need a strong pope, someone who’s not afraid to fight against globalism, defend traditional values, and protect Western civilization. I think someone like Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò would be perfect. He tells it like it is — just like me.”
Archbishop Viganò, a former Vatican ambassador to the U.S., is a polarizing figure known for his criticism of Pope Francis and outspoken views against modernizing reforms in the Church. He has also promoted several conspiracy theories and been linked to far-right ideologies.
Trump’s endorsement was met with awkward silence in the room, followed by a mix of applause and visible discomfort.
Backlash from Religious Leaders and Faith Communities
The response on social media and from religious leaders was swift — and not flattering.
Father James Martin, a prominent Jesuit priest and editor at America magazine, tweeted:
“Donald Trump’s endorsement of a divisive figure like Viganò as the next pope shows a stunning lack of understanding of the Catholic Church. The papacy is not a political appointment.”
Others in the Catholic community called Trump’s comment "tone-deaf" and "inappropriate," pointing out that the Church’s selection of a pope is a sacred and highly spiritual process — not a popularity contest or political campaign.
The Vatican Has Not Responded — Yet
As of now, the Vatican has not issued any statement responding to Trump’s remarks — and likely never will. The Holy See is known for maintaining silence when it comes to political comments, especially from non-Catholic leaders. Still, Vatican insiders have described the situation as "deeply unfortunate" and "unhelpful."
Trump’s History With Pope Francis
This isn’t the first time Trump has clashed with or commented on the papacy. In 2016, Pope Francis made headlines by subtly criticizing Trump’s proposed border wall, suggesting that "a person who thinks only about building walls is not a Christian." Trump, in return, said the Pope was being "disgraceful" for questioning his faith.
That exchange set the tone for a strained relationship between Trump and the Vatican, making his latest remarks even more provocative.
A Pattern of Crossing Lines
Whether it’s NFL protests, foreign leaders, or now the Catholic Church, Donald Trump has a long history of inserting himself into conversations where his involvement is, at best, controversial. His comments on the next pope appear to be less about sincere concern for the Church and more about promoting figures aligned with his political base.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s endorsement of Archbishop Viganò for the papacy may appeal to a small segment of ultra-conservative Catholics and far-right supporters, but for the majority of the faithful, it feels like yet another example of politics overstepping its bounds.
In the end, who becomes the next pope will be decided by the College of Cardinals, not campaign-style endorsements. And if there’s one thing this episode proves, it’s that mixing Trump-style politics with the spiritual traditions of the Vatican is a recipe for backlash — not blessing.
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