Graham Calls Trump a ‘Dark Horse’ for Pope After Trump Jokes About Papacy

Source: Imagn

Senator Graham in a pleasant mood

On Wednesday, Senator Lindsey Graham sparked controversy after jokingly endorsing Donald Trump to become the next pope. In a social media post, he encouraged Catholics to “keep an open mind,” calling Trump a “dark horse candidate” and even stylizing his name as “Trump MMXXVIII.”

Source: Imagn

Donald Trump speaks at rally

It all began when President Trump told reporters earlier in the day, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” Though clearly joking, the timing and delivery of the remark—right after Pope Francis’s death—caught many off guard.

Source: Imagn

Meghan McCain at a funeral

Graham’s post lit up the internet. Some laughed, others cringed. Critics accused him of “groveling” and sacrificing dignity to stay in Trump’s good books. The spectacle exploded across the media platforms. “Moments of mourning call for respect and dignity, not political stunts,” McCain said. “This was a tasteless joke that overshadowed the solemnity of the occasion.”

Source: Imagn

Donald Trump addressing the crowd at a rally

Pope Francis and Donald Trump have had disagreements in the past. The pope once questioned Trump’s views on immigration and whether they reflected Christian values. Trump responded by criticizing the pope. The recent joke may have brought those past issues back into focus.

Source: Imagn

Senator Lindsey Graham stands alongside fellow Republican lawmakers

Though Graham identifies as a Southern Baptist and is not Catholic, he publicly expressed condolences on Pope Francis’s death, calling him “a good and holy man who practiced what he preached,” showing respect despite the later humorous papal endorsement.

Source: Imagn

Senator Graham at the airport

Senator Lindsey Graham’s relationship with Donald Trump has evolved dramatically over time. Initially, Graham was one of Trump’s fiercest critics during the 2016 presidential campaign, even voting for an alternative candidate and publicly opposing Trump’s rhetoric and policies. Trump reciprocated by mocking Graham, including publicly sharing his phone number and criticizing him harshly.

Source: Imagn

Donald Trump poses among charged supporters

Many are questioning whether Donald Trump could actually become pope. According to Church rules, the pope must be a baptized Catholic man, usually an ordained priest or cardinal. Trump does not meet these criteria, but the joke still drew wide media attention.

Source: Imagn

Funeral proceedings of Pope Francis (Late)

Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26 drew over 400,000 mourners outside St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a massive outpouring of grief worldwide. This event began the traditional nine-day mourning period, called the Novemdiales, before the cardinals can start the conclave to elect the new pope.

Source: Imagn

Cardinals praying for Pope Francis

Many are also interested in knowing who will replace Pope Francis. The favorite to be the next pope is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Italy’s Vatican Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic experience and steady leadership. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is also a strong contender, representing a pastoral and reformist continuation of Pope Francis’s vision. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is another notable candidate, seen as a bridge-builder within the Church.