Pope Francis Dies; Trump Jokes About Succession

Pope Francis has died at age 88, prompting the Vatican to schedule a papal conclave for May 7 to select the next pope. President Donald Trump, departing for a rally marking his first 100 days back in office, joked to reporters that he would like to be the next pope, calling himself his 'number one choice.' Trump, who is not Catholic and ineligible for the papacy, later named Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a strong candidate. The comment drew both amusement and criticism on social media, with many satirizing the idea of Trump as pope. Trump and First Lady Melania attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, where Trump praised the late pontiff's compassion. Cardinal Dolan will participate in the conclave, though no American has ever become pope.