Donald Trump has stirred global controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, just days after the funeral of Pope Francis. The image, posted on social media, shows Trump wearing papal attire, including a white cassock, a golden crucifix, and a bishop’s mitre, while raising a finger skyward.
The post coincided with the Vatican’s official mourning period and the lead-up to the papal conclave, where cardinals from around the world are gathering to select a new leader of the Catholic Church. Trump’s recent public joke about wanting to become pope added to the uproar.
Critics across the political and religious spectrum have condemned the image as disrespectful. An American Catholic organization called it mockery, noting the solemnity of the moment following the recent burial of Pope Francis. Others have labeled the act offensive and immature, accusing Trump of exploiting religious symbols for attention.
Trump’s press secretary defended him, stating that he has always supported religious liberty and Catholic values. Despite not being Catholic himself, Trump did attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome last week.
Some of his political allies attempted to defend or downplay the post. One senator jokingly suggested that Trump might be a surprising but valid candidate for pope, while a far-right commentator dismissed the backlash, saying people were just making lighthearted jokes.
The incident has ignited debates about respect, religious sensitivity, and Trump’s ongoing use of provocative imagery on social media.
