Trump’s AI Pope Mock-Up Draws Catholic Condemnation

Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and politicians after sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as the Pope, just days after the death of Pope Francis and ahead of the Vatican conclave to elect a new pontiff.

The image, posted on official White House social media accounts late Friday, shows Trump wearing a white cassock and bishop’s mitre, holding a cross with a solemn expression.

The post came less than two weeks after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be Pope,” fueling accusations of insensitivity.

Catholic Leaders Condemn “Disrespectful” Post
The New York State Catholic Conference, representing the state’s bishops, called the image a mockery of the faith. 

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave,” the group wrote on X. “Do not mock us.”

Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump, expressed disapproval after Mass in Rome. 

“It wasn’t good. I hope he didn’t have anything to do with that,” Dolan said, calling the post a “brutta figura” (bad impression).

International Criticism
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, a left-leaning politician, accused Trump of insulting believers. “This image offends institutions and shows the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” Renzi wrote on X.

White House Defense
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims of disrespect, stating Trump had paid his respects at Pope Francis’s funeral and championed religious liberty. The Vatican, however, remained silent; spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to comment during a press briefing.

Broader Context
This is not the first time a U.S. president has clashed with Catholic sentiments. In 2024, President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, faced backlash for making the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion rally.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as the Vatican prepares for the May 8 conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor. Trump’s post has reignited debates over the intersection of politics, technology, and religious respect.

Ethical Concerns Over AI Use
The AI-generated nature of the image also raises questions about the ethical use of deepfake technology in political communication. Critics argue such depictions risk trivializing sacred symbols.

What’s Next?
While the White House has not removed the post, pressure is mounting from religious groups. Analysts suggest the incident could further polarize Trump’s relationship with Catholic voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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For further updates, follow #TrumpPopeControversy or visit Vatican News.

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Tags: Donald Trump, Pope Francis, Vatican, Catholic Church, AI-generated image, religious controversy, White House, New York State Catholic Conference, conclave, Matteo Renzi