Donald Trumps followers have thrown his name into the ring to be the next Pope. He even shared an AI photo of himself in this role. I know this is just marketing and distraction but it is interesting. He is already the president of the most powerful nation in the world and one that is founded on Christian beliefs and values. As a nation, we believe we are one nation under God. Also much of his power is due to his Christian Nationalist base, who see him as a defender of conservative values and champion for the pro-life agenda.
Perhaps he is no more flawed then some of the past Popes, and he just squeaks by the age cut-off of 80, being 78. Even Peter, the first Pope, denied Christ 3 times and he is the “rock” the Church is built upon.
Now what are the characteristics that should probably exclude him, besides not being a Catholic and also married. Well, the Pope should be someone trying to emulate Christ. Here are some examples where Trump falls short as a candidate for the Vicar of Christ.
1. Jesus avoided having political power, seeking to do Gods will and not his own or of others,
“Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.”
John 6:15
Trump was so determined to keep power that he could not accept his loss in the 2020 election and concede, allowing a peaceful transfer of power. He encouraged an insurrection that has divide our country and often jokes about a 3rd term that is against the US constitution. He also is very sensitive to public opinion, worried about his pole numbers and fixated on crowd sizes and voter counts. His will seeks power and doing the will of others is how he maintains it. That may make him a strong president but not Pope material.
2. They should also be someone who serves all, even those considered the least. Jesus told his apostles this:
“The greatest among you must be your servant.”
Matthew 23:11
He has dismantled the USAID, this organization serves marginalized communities around the world. Regardless of if they ran efficiently he has repeatedly ignored court orders to restore funding. This funding feeds the poor and every day it is withheld it is putting more people at risk of starvation.
Also cutting programs for marginalized people in order to fund a tax cut for the rich is not something Christ would agree with.
3. Jesus warned his apostles to be humble and not exalt them selves,
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12
Trump exalts himself with everything he does. He has made himself a brand and puts his name in gold letters on all his properties and everything he does. Even his acceptance of the republican nomination was about himself, with giant TRUMP letters on the stage.
4. Jesus also said we should love our enemy,
“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,”
Matthew 5:44
Trump is a very vengeful person. He throws vitriol at anyone who opposes him. He releases names on social media for his followers to torment his enemies and looks to dismantle anything he views as a threat. He talks about the Left as if they are not people and are evil and has made his party do the same.
That being said, he is the United States president and his office should be respected but as a potential pope, it is hard to see the Holy Spirit working through him or in his words. Anyone who will shoot Americans with rubber bullets for a photo op holding a Bible, does not understand the word he holds in his hand. This cannot be the person who should lead the Catholic Church.
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