Trump will try to force a MAGA pope on us.

[Kingofalldems]

He's got cardinal or 2 in his pocket here in the US, so watch out.

[themaguffin]

1. If we get one, it won't be because of trump.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Doubtful about success. Pope Francis

Appointed 90% of the Cardinals.

[Ocelot II]

3. Francis appointed most of the current Cardinals.

And most Catholics aren't American. Doubt Trump will have much if any influence.

[Ms. Toad]

4. He's got next to no influence on that decision. n/t

[DenaliDemocrat]

5. No. Francis stacked the deck with 109 Cardinals

It will be a young and relatively liberal pope.

And on edit:

Francis held no great love for the Curia.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. Using the overnight tweet Bully Pulpit to bully the Cardinals

This will be a maneuver to behold.

[sop]

7. Trump can't threaten Cardinals with a primary challenger, or excommunication.

[Kingofalldems]

8. There is no question he will try.

[Ocelot II]

11. His "trying" will consist of some typically mean, deranged Xeets

about how Francis was too woke, and the cardinals will ignore him, effectively telling him to fuck right off. He has absolutely no power over or influence on the selection of a new Pope.

[Irish_Dem]

9. What's he gonna do? Put a tariff on the Vatican? Send them to El Salvador?

[Aristus]

10. Does The Vatican even import anything? Other than from Italy?

It don't think it exports anything other than Catholic doctrine, which, except for their new-found interest in social justice, isn't saying much.

[Irish_Dem]

13. That's my point. Trump's usual threats won't work.

The Vatican does export a small amount of religious mementos, but not of any significant financial value.

[BlueTsunami2018]

14. He put tariffs on an island full of penguins.

He could very well just put meaningless tariffs on Vatican City for optics.

These people are dopes.

[Ocelot II]

18. I think the Vatican might export various relics and religious tchotchkes.

Its economy is mainly supported by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos and fees for admission to museums.The Vatican isn't part of the EU, but it has an open border with Italy and is part of the Schengen Area, and is exempt from EU duties and taxes. If Trump were to place a stiff tariff on religious effigies all Hell would break loose...

[John1956PA]

19. He can threaten to allow easier pathways for claims against U.S. dioceses.

[Wounded Bear]

12. I don't think US Cardinals have much influence in Rome...

That ship sailed a while ago.

I'm sure trump will opine on the selection, he seems to think that we want to hear his opinion on everything and can't help himself. But I don't see that a Lies Social tweet will affect anything.

[Norbert]

15. Never gonna happen.

[Clouds Passing]

16. Like this one

https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/archbishop-vigan-found-guilty-schism-excommunicated-vatican

[SSJVegeta]

17. He'll need 88 more

[Totally Tunsie]

20. Already screwed himself..

The "thoughts and prayers" of TSF's Easter message will preclude his influence.

[obamanut2012]

21. He doesn't have that kind of influence, at all.

The Cardinals are probably already sequestered, too.

[SocialDemocrat61]

23. No that doesn't happen until after the funeral

Most aren't even in Rome yet.

[Ping Tung]

22. Is Donnie looking for a part time job in Rome? Will he build a casino and install an inside golf iv;in n the Vatican?

[Montauk6]

24. I'm far from a religious person, let alone Catholic...

but GOD-DAMN, I'm praying hard for a "DEI pick" just to piss off the MAGAts, Teabaggers, Alt-Righties, and Freepers (remember them?).