Pope and Change! Lindsey Graham Asks Catholics to ‘Keep an Open Mind’ About Making Trump Pontiff: ‘Has Many Upsides’

(Patrick SemanskyMichael Brochstein/Sipa USA/AP photos)

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) asked Catholics and the papal conclave to “keep an open mind” about the possibility of President Donald Trump becoming the next pope on Tuesday after Trump jokingly said he would “like to be pope” following Pope Francis’ death.

After a reporter asked Trump who he would like to see as the next pope, the president joked, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice. No, I don’t know, I have no preference.”

Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Graham suggested that a Pope Trump could have “many upsides.”

“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope,” he wrote. “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!”

Graham continued, “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!”

Trump endorsed Graham for reelection in March, calling him “a wonderful friend” and promising supporters that the senator would not let them down.

“Lindsey has been a wonderful friend to me, and has always been there when I needed him,” wrote Trump. “Senator Lindsey Graham has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week after the pontiff passed away at the age of 88.

Reacting on Truth Social to the news of Pope Francis’ death, Trump wrote, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”