Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has come under fire from Catholic groups and political figures after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on official White House social media accounts.
The image was released just days after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, as Catholics around the world prepare for the papal conclave to choose the next pontiff.
The digitally created image shows Trump wearing a traditional white cassock and a pointed bishop’s miter, with a large cross around his neck. His solemn pose, with a finger raised, closely resembles papal iconography. The post has been widely criticized as offensive and disrespectful, especially given the timing during a period of mourning in the Catholic Church.
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. https://t.co/ortxbkDlT5
— NYS Catholic Conference (@NYSCatholicConf) May 3, 2025
The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of New York, strongly criticized the image on the social media platform X. In their statement, they expressed deep disapproval, emphasizing that there was nothing amusing or respectful about the post.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni declined to respond to questions about the image during a media briefing, as the Holy See focuses on the upcoming conclave.
Meanwhile, Italian former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi strongly condemned the post, calling it ‘an image that offends believers, insults institutions, and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around.’
In response to the backlash, the White House defended the president, denying any mockery or disrespect. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that, “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”
The controversy also echoes a similar incident involving former President Joe Biden, who faced criticism a year ago for making the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion rights rally in Tampa, Florida, an act that many Catholics viewed as deeply inappropriate.
The episode has further inflamed tensions around religion and politics in the US, as debates continue over public figures’ use of religious symbols and imagery.
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