In a surprising social media post, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed in traditional papal regalia—just 11 days after the passing of Pope Francis. The image, which was posted on Truth Social, depicts Trump in a striking white outfit complemented by a papal hat, known as a mitre, and a large crucifix hanging around his neck.
This post comes on the heels of Trump's playful remarks expressing his desire to be the next pope. When approached by reporters on the White House lawn, he stated, “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.” While he acknowledged that he did not have a specific candidate in mind, he mentioned a New York cardinal whom he deemed “very good.” Following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure, the process of selecting a new pontiff has begun.
Trump's AI-generated image has elicited a wave of bemusement and criticism from the public. Many social media users have labeled the post as disrespectful to the memory of Pope Francis and the sanctity of the papacy. One user implored, “Please take this down. Many Catholics, myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”
Another comment echoed similar sentiments: “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide. The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.” Critics emphasize that during a time of mourning, such actions are particularly inappropriate.
This incident is not the first time Trump has faced backlash regarding his conduct related to the Catholic community. His appearance at Pope Francis' funeral was also criticized; he attended the solemn ceremony wearing a non-traditional blue suit and was seen chewing gum, which many considered disrespectful. Additionally, critics noted that his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during this solemn occasion was ill-timed.
As the world watches the unfolding events surrounding the conclave to elect a new pope, Trump's actions have ignited a broader discussion about respect for religious traditions and the role of public figures in addressing sensitive topics.
