--- title: The One Thing The Pope and The Donald Have in Common description: They’re both authentically themselves at all times canonical: https://time.com/4045402/pope-francis-donald-trump/ author: Michael D'Antonio article:opinion: true article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-09-22T22:16:52.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T05:01:32.453Z article:section: Ideas og:title: The One Thing The Pope and The Donald Have in Common og:description: They’re both authentically themselves at all times og:url: https://time.com/4045402/pope-francis-donald-trump/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc372e57b5a77a91a/698864df0a4a22428b9c6334/trump-pope.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: trump-pope og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: The One Thing The Pope and The Donald Have in Common twitter:description: They’re both authentically themselves at all times twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc372e57b5a77a91a/698864df0a4a22428b9c6334/trump-pope.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # The One Thing The Pope and The Donald Have in Common by [Michael D'Antonio](https://time.com/author/michael-dantonio/) ## Michael D'Antonio Sep 22, 2015 10:16 PM UTC  Left: Donald Trump speaks during the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's annual fall dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 19, 2015; Right: Pope Francis waves upon his arrival in Santiago de Cuba on Sept. 21, 2015. Left: Donald Trump speaks during the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's annual fall dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 19, 2015; Right: Pope Francis waves upon his arrival in Santiago de Cuba on Sept. 21, 2015.Charlie Neibergall—AP; Filippo Monteforte—AFP/Getty Images by [Michael D'Antonio](https://time.com/author/michael-dantonio/) ## Michael D'Antonio Sep 22, 2015 10:16 PM UTC A great unstoppable force named Francis arrives in a city occupied by a great immovable object named Donald this week, and the outcome, as determined by the news media, will undoubtedly be a victory for the pope and his message of love. The signs of Pope Francis’s win in the contest for attention are already evident on newsstands in New York City, where the sunny churchman in the white beanie is squeezing the brash presidential campaigner off of the front pages. A kind of pope mania is underway, with Mayor Bill De Blasio [announcing](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/15/nyregion/pope-francis-visit-prompts-security-preparations-in-new-york.html) that all the logistics have been worked out and that Francis will enjoy a safe, seamless visit full of cheers and devoid of gridlock. Madison Square Garden will be [overflowing](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/20/nyregion/for-pope-francis-mass-at-madison-square-garden-god-is-in-the-details.html) when Francis says mass there, and he is expected to be hailed by [80,000](http://www.metro.us/new-york/80-000-new-yorkers-to-see-pope-francis-in-central-park-procession/zsJoij---ZrIchz5bPw5k/) along a parade route. In a city and a nation that may be growing tired of Trump’s dominance in the media, Francis offers a stunning contrast in style. While Trump calls attention to himself and is unabashed in his pursuit of every luxury and advantage, Francis calls on the world to consider Christ and is so humble he insists on carrying his own [luggage](http://abcnews.go.com/US/pope-francis-us-hell-traveling/story?id=33933258) and paying his own [hotel bill](http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0314/Pope-pays-hotel-bill-Pope-Francis-sheds-luxuries-of-previous-popes). Trump believes that he must strike back “ten times harder” whenever he is offended. Francis believes in turning the other cheek. In the areas of policy and priorities, the two men may diverge even more radically. Francis believes that global warming threatens God’s creation and is a skeptic when it comes to capitalism. Trump harbors [doubts](http://www.vox.com/2015/9/22/9368591/trump-global-warming) about climate science and personifies the greed-is-good ethos of the profit-driven society. He firmly believes that fierce competition brings out the best and that ultimately, somebody has to win, and somebody has to lose. But Trump and Francis are not without common ground. Both men are, in fact, fully, sincerely and authentically themselves at all times. When Francis [washed](http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/pope-francis-celebrate-holy-thursday-mass-prison-wash-feet-detainees) the feet of people in Rome, he did it as an act of heartfelt humility. When Trump [refused](http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/253969-trump-wont-apologize-to-columba-bush) to apologize to Columba Bush, and even was asked to do so in front of more than 20 million TV viewers, he, too, was true to form. Trump is a fighter who does not back down. In their open, honest, and even extreme expressions of what they feel, Donald Trump and Pope Francis are both compelling characters. We are riveted by them because they communicate so directly, without filters and without equivocation. One may be speaking from the heart of a pastor. The other comes to us via his ambition. But we can say of both that we know where they stand. ### See Photos of Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to U.S.  Pope Francis sits on board his Rome-bound plane after his visit to the U.S. in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Charles Mostoller—Reuters  A man looks at a television screen showing Pope Francis as he celebrates the Festival of Families Sunday mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Carlos Barria—Reuters  A man holds a child as Pope Francis celebrates mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Matt Slocum—AP  Pope Francis conducts the final mass of his U.S. visit in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Mark Makela—Reuters  People without tickets watch on video screens as Pope Francis celebrates mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Jonathan Ernst—Reuters  Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the pope mobile during a parade along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before Mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, 2015. Michael Perez—AP  Crowds wait to go through security checkpoint before entering the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Papal Mass on Sept. 27, 2015, in Philadelphia. Michael Perez—AP  A family from Trenton, N.J., originally from Ecuador, walk over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge ahead of a Sunday Mass to be delivered by Pope Francis in Philadelphia, on Sept. 27, 2015. Julio Cortez—AP  Pope Francis waves to the crowd during a parade in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Matt Rourke—AP  Pope Francis takes the stage during the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Matt Slocum—AP  People pray and watch as Pope Francis celebrates mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. James Robinson—AP  The wind lifts Pope Francis' mantle as he delivers his speech in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP  Pope Francis is greeted by seminarians as he arrives at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, on Sept. 26, 2015, in Wynnewood, Pa. Mel Evans—AP  Nuns wait for Pope Francis' arrival at the Festival of Families rally along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, on Sept. 26, 2015. Carlos Barria—Reuters  Pope Francis kisses and blesses Michael Keating, 10, of Elverson, Pa after arriving in Philadelphia and exiting his car when he saw the boy, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at Philadelphia International Airport. Joseph Gidjunis—World Meeting of Families/AP  Pope Francis reads his homily while celebrating high Mass at Madison Square Garden, on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Julie Jacobson—AP  A crucifix hangs above member of the clergy who watch as Pope Francis, not shown, celebrates Mass at Madison Square Garden, on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Michael Appleton—AP  Thousands of people watch Pope Francis ride in the popemobile through Central Park on Sept. 25, 2015 in New York City. Justin Sullivan—Getty Images  Pope Francis arrives in his car for a visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on Sept. 25, 2015. Eric Thayer—AP  Security personnel watch from the back of a vehicle as Pope Francis tours Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem in New York City, on Sept. 25, 2015. Brendan McDermid—Reuters  Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, left, pray at the South Pool of the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan, on Sept. 25, 2015. John Minchillo—AP  Pope Francis is seen on a video monitor as he signs the United Nations guest book before addressing the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York City, on Sept. 25, 2015. Mary Altaffer—AP  Pope Francis makes his way down 5th Avenue in New York City to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—AFP/Getty Images  People in the crowds outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral take pictures in New York City, on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—The New York Times/Reuters  A New York City police officer searches nuns outside St. Patrick's Cathedral prior to the arrival of Pope Francis in New York, on Sept. 24, 2015. Damon Winter—AP/The New York Times  Pope Francis reaches out to 5th grader Omodele Ojo of East New York, Brooklyn as he is greeted as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. Craig Ruttle—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis waves to supporters as he arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, on Sept. 24, 2015. Craig Ruttle—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speakers Balcony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Doug Mills—Getty Images  Pope Francis pauses in front of a sculpture of Spanish-born Junipero Serra, the Franciscan Friar known for starting missions in California, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015 Michael Reynolds—Getty Images  Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Evan Vucci—AP  Pope Francis listens to applause before addressing a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015, Alessandra Tarantino—AP  Pope Francis and Speaker of the House John Boehner speak in the US Capitol building as the Pope arrives to deliver his speech to a joint meeting of Congress in Washington, on Sept. 24, 2015. Bill Clark—EPA  Pope Francis performs Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis greets and blesses seminarians, novices, religious guests inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Jim Bourg—Reuters  Pope Francis arrives for the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Rob Carr—Getty Images  St. Mathews Cathedral is reflected in a nearby building as onlookers wait for Pope Francis to arrive for midday prayer service at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Jose Luis Magana—AP  Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile during a parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Alex Brandon—AP  Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile during a parade in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Alex Brandon—AP  President Barack Obama talks with Pope Francis in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Tony Gentile—AP  President Barack Obama and Pope Francis walk down the Colonnade before meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP  First Lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, and Pope Francis wave during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images  Guests watch as President Barack Obama greets Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis speaks alongside President Barack Obama during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images  President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Win McNamee—Getty Images  President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama accompany Pope Francis to the stage during a state arrival ceremony, on Sept. 23, 2015, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Andrew Harnik—AP  People wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Vincenzo Pinto—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis takereceives a kiss, outside the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015 . Molly Riley—AFP/Getty Images  A man holds up a Papal flag as he waits for Pope Francis departure from the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, on Sept. 23, 2015. Cliff Owen—AP  Pope Francis waves from a Fiat 500 as his motorcade departs from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP  A crowd of supporters cheer as they attend the arrival of Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, on Sept. 22, 2015. Kevin Lamarque—Reuters  Pope Francis is greeted by President Barack Obama, the First Family and children after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md, on Sept. 22, 2015. Michael Reynolds—EPA  President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the United States as the Pontiff greets dignitaries upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, on Sept. 22, 2015. Kevin Larmarque—Reuters  President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and others, greet Pope Francis upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Andrew Harnik—AP  Pope Francis steps off his plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images  Clergy brace for the wind as they stand along the red carpet on the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015, as the plane carrying Pope Francis arrives. Andrew Harnik—AP  US Air Force honor guard unroll the red carpet before Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Md, on Sept. 22, 2015. Mandel Ngan—AFP/Getty Images  Pope Francis arrives to the United States from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Sept. 22, 2015. 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