U.S. President, Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, just days before the conclave to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.
The digitally created image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Friday, shows the president in full papal attire, white robes, a gold crucifix, and the traditional miter, raising his finger toward the sky in a mock-papal gesture.
The post comes on the heels of Trump’s comment earlier in the week that he would like to become the next pope.
“I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” Trump told reporters, though he admitted he had no clear preference on who should succeed Francis.
He did mention a “very good” cardinal in New York, widely interpreted as a reference to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, known for his conservative views and opposition to abortion.
The New York State Catholic Conference swiftly condemned the president’s post, calling it insensitive and inappropriate in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on April 21.
“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,” the Conference said in a statement on X.
“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”
The criticism underscores broader concerns about the timing and tone of Trump’s message, especially as Catholics around the world mourn Pope Francis, a figure known for his outspoken criticism of Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration.
Pope Francis once said, “Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian,” in response to Trump’s 2016 campaign promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s appearance at the funeral of Pope Francis last week marked his first international trip since reclaiming the presidency.
With approximately 20 percent of Americans identifying as Catholic, and a reported 60 percent of them voting for Trump in the last election, the incident may have wider implications as the global Church prepares for a significant transition.
The conclave to elect the next pope is scheduled to begin on May 7 in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.
