AI Image of Trump as Pope Sparks Catholic Outrage and Global Criticism

AI Image of Trump as Pope Sparks Outrage Among Catholics

An AI-generated image showcasing U.S. President Donald Trump dressed in papal attire has incited significant backlash, especially from the Catholic community. The digitally altered image, perceived as both a religious affront and a political provocation, has stirred emotions globally.

The image controversy emerged shortly before a pivotal Vatican conclave set to determine the successor to Pope Francis.

Initially posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and subsequently shared by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), the image portrays Trump in traditional papal garments, seated regally with an uplifted finger.

Despite its artificial origin, the picture’s timing and message have drawn sharp criticism from religious figures, political adversaries, and international commentators.

Responses from Catholic groups were immediate and clear. The New York State Catholic Conference stated: “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.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, a rumored papal candidate, remarked that the image “wasn’t good” and expressed a desire for Trump to be uninvolved. Meanwhile, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni refrained from commenting, honoring the Vatican’s silence preceding the conclave, which starts on May 7.

Globally, reactions have been harsh. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized the post on social media, declaring: “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions, and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown.”

The image also gained attention in the left-leaning newspaper La Repubblica, which labeled it as an instance of “pathological megalomania.”

Confronted at a press conference, President Trump denied involvement in the image’s creation or distribution.

“I had nothing to do with it,” he stated to reporters. “Somebody made a picture of me dressed like the pope and they put it out on the internet. That’s not me that did it. I’ve got no idea where it came from – maybe it was AI. I know nothing about it. Actually, my wife thought it was cute.”

Skeptics questioned this denial, especially since the image was first seen on his social media platform and later shared by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, emphasizing: “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”

This incident follows Trump’s earlier jest about aspiring to be the next pope, made during a conversation with journalists. When questioned about his favored candidate to replace Francis, he quipped: “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” and complimented Cardinal Dolan as “very good.”

These comments, combined with the AI image, have been perceived by many as frivolous and disrespectful, especially during the solemn period following the pontiff’s funeral.