Trump’s AI “Pope” Image Sparks Outrage Ahead Of Papal Conclave

 

Just days before the Vatican’s conclave to select the next pope, President Donald Trump stirred controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, prompting backlash from Catholic leaders, religious groups, and political figures across the globe.

The digitally altered image, which depicted Trump in papal robes with a raised forefinger, was first shared on his Truth Social account late Friday and later reposted by the White House on its official X (formerly Twitter) page. This post came shortly after Trump joked that he "would like to be pope" and less than a week after he attended Pope Francis's funeral in Rome. A formal mourning period for the late pontiff is still underway at the Vatican.

Although the image did not interfere with preparations for the conclave, it has been widely criticized as inappropriate and disrespectful. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines wrote simply, “Not funny, Sir,” in a Facebook post. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York—whom Trump recently suggested as a favored successor to Francis—also voiced displeasure, saying of the post, “Well, it wasn’t good.”

Father Gerald Murray, a priest from New York attending Mass in Rome, was similarly blunt: “It’s silly… you don’t do that.”

Prominent international figures also condemned the post. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called it offensive to believers and accused Trump of “clowning around” at a time of religious solemnity. Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper labeled the act “infantile” and cited “pathological megalomania.”

American tourists visiting the Vatican expressed mixed reactions when approached: some called the image “absurd,” others simply described it as “typical.”

Catholic organizations in the U.S. also weighed in. The New York State Catholic Conference, representing the state’s bishops, stated: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis… Do not mock us.”

Despite the backlash, the White House defended the post. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump as a “staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty,” pointing to his attendance at Francis’s funeral as a sign of respect.

Some Trump allies brushed off the criticism, claiming the post was a harmless joke. Far-right commentator Jack Posobiec wrote, “It’s called a sense of humor,” dismissing the controversy as overblown.

This incident is not Trump’s first brush with criticism over AI-generated content. He previously drew condemnation for posting doctored video depicting Gaza transformed into a luxury resort, complete with a golden statue of himself.