Donald Trump is facing backlash after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, just days before the Catholic Church begins the secretive conclave to elect a new leader following the death of Pope Francis
The digitally altered photo, which showed Trump wearing a white cassock, a gold crucifix, and a bishop’s mitre while pointing skyward, appeared Friday night on his Truth Social platform and the White House’s official X account. It quickly drew criticism from religious leaders and media outlets, particularly as the Vatican remains in a nine-day mourning period following Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26.
The image became a major topic at the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing on Saturday, with reporters questioning its timing and tone. Trump had recently joked about becoming pope, saying he’d “like to be pope,” a comment some took as a setup for the post.
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called the image “shameful,” writing on X: “This offends believers, insults institutions, and shows that the leader of the rightwing world enjoys clowning around.”
In the U.S., the New York State Catholic Conference condemned the post, saying: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis. Do not mock us.”
Criticism also poured in from European media, with Italy’s la Repubblica accusing Trump of “pathological megalomania” and Spanish and Italian outlets labeling the post in poor taste given the ongoing mourning period.
When asked for a response, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, saying he “has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”
Trump, who is not Catholic and does not attend church regularly, was present at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome eight days ago.
Despite the backlash, some of Trump’s allies came to his defense. Senator Lindsey Graham sarcastically endorsed the idea of Trump as pope, writing: “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke … Trump MMXXVIII!”
Far-right commentator Jack Posobiec, a Catholic and Trump supporter, also dismissed the outrage, saying: “We’ve all been making jokes about the upcoming Pope selection all week. It’s called a sense of humour.”
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
