Trump Faces Backlash for AI Image Portraying Himself as Pope Ahead of Papal Conclave

Just days before the Vatican prepares for a historic papal conclave, former President Donald Trump sparked a wave of criticism from Catholics around the world by posting an image of himself depicted as pope — one that appears to have been generated by artificial intelligence.

The image, shared Friday on Trump’s Truth Social account and later amplified by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), shows Trump wearing traditional papal regalia, complete with a white cassock, ornate cross, and a gilded throne.

Catholic Leaders Condemn AI Pope Image

While the post was likely meant to be humorous, religious leaders and Catholic organizations didn’t see it that way. The New York State Catholic Conference issued a sharp rebuke, stating: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis … Do not mock us.”

The criticism comes at a particularly sensitive time. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, and cardinals from around the globe are preparing to select the next leader of the Catholic Church in Rome starting May 7.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, who was recently appointed to the White House’s Religious Liberty Commission, said the image “wasn’t good” and left a poor impression. His comments, delivered partly in Italian, echoed broader concerns within the Church that the post disrespected a deeply sacred tradition.

Mixed Reactions and Political Fallout

Jesuit priest and editor James Martin also weighed in, noting that while he presumed the image was shared lightheartedly, it was nonetheless “deeply offensive.” He added, “Imagine the incandescent outrage … if this had been done by Joe Biden or Barack Obama.”

Even international figures joined the criticism. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called the post insulting to believers and accused Trump of clownish behavior.

But not everyone took issue with the image. Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, dismissed the controversy, replying to conservative commentator Bill Kristol on X: “As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars.”

In response to the backlash, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump “flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis” and has long been a supporter of Catholic values and religious liberty.

During a press event last week, Trump joked that becoming pope would be his “number one choice,” fueling further debate over whether his remarks and posts were intended as satire or a show of irreverence at a critical time for the Catholic Church.