In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump posted an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as a pope, coinciding with the ongoing mourning period for Pope Francis. This image surfaced just days before the pivotal conclave set to elect his successor, stirring significant backlash from various groups, including Catholic bishops from New York and Italian citizens.
The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform and subsequently reposted by the White House on its official X account, has sparked outrage on social media and within the Vatican. The mourning period for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, is characterized by solemnity, with Catholic cardinals conducting daily Masses in his memory. The conclave to elect the next pope is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, further amplifying the gravity of the situation.
The New York State Catholic Conference, representing the bishops of New York, expressed their indignation, accusing Trump of mockery. They stated, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. 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.”
Italian media outlets, including the left-leaning La Repubblica, condemned the image as offensive and indicative of “pathological megalomania.” Former Premier Matteo Renzi criticized Trump’s actions, labeling the image as shameful and an insult to believers and institutions alike.
The Vatican's spokesman, Matteo Bruni, refrained from commenting on the matter, while the White House has yet to address the backlash surrounding Trump’s post. However, some allies of Trump, such as far-right influencer Jack Posobiec, came to his defense, arguing that humor surrounding the upcoming papal selection is acceptable.
Adding to the controversy, Trump had previously joked about his interest in becoming the pope, stating, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” This was echoed by close ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, who humorously suggested that Trump could be a dark horse candidate for the papacy. “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides,” Graham remarked on X, showcasing the light-hearted banter surrounding the topic.
In addition to his playful aspirations, Trump also mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, as a notable candidate. Dolan, aged 75, is among the ten U.S. cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave. However, some speculate that Trump's endorsement might undermine Dolan’s chances, given the secrecy surrounding conclaves to avoid external influences.
As the conclave approaches, the tension between Trump and U.S. bishops remains palpable, especially following Pope Francis’ criticism of the administration’s immigration policies. Over his 12-year papacy, Francis endeavored to reshape the U.S. Catholic hierarchy by promoting leaders who emphasize social justice and migration issues, contrasting with the more conservative stances of previous popes.
With the election of a new pope on the horizon, the potential for a more conservative leadership raises questions about the future direction of the Catholic Church in America. The ongoing discussions, both serious and humorous, surrounding the papacy reflect a unique intersection of politics and faith that continues to captivate both U.S. and global audiences.
As this story unfolds, the implications of Trump’s actions and comments will likely remain a focal point in discussions about the future of the papacy and the Catholic Church's role in contemporary society.
