President Donald Trump published an image generated by AI-even in papal insignia, only 11 days after the death of Pope Francis.
The image, published on Truth Social, shows President Trump dressed in white bearing a papal hat, known as miter, with a Grand Crucifix suspended around his neck.
It comes after the president joked by saying that he would like to be the pontiff when he was asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis. He said to journalists on the lawn of the White House: “I would like to be a pope. It would be my number one choice.”
Trump continued saying that he had no preference but that there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good”, probably referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the New York archbishop.
The conclave to select a new pontiff is underway after the death of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure.
The position was welcomed by perplexity and criticism, many describing it as disrespectful.
“Please shoot him,” argued a social media user. “Many Catholics, including me, find it as a great lack of respect for the past and the future head of our Church.”
Another replied: “Trump, as a person outside the United States, I find your message completely disrespectful towards the Catholic community around the world. Papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”
Is someone else surprised that Trump is so cheeky sacrilege?
Me neither.
Classless.
– Trump Tracker (@trackingdonald) May 3, 2025
“Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is in mourning and you publish This? “”
The president was criticized on his appearance during the funeral of Pope Francis last week, after having attended the wearing of a non -traditional blue costume and was seen mince of the gum during the ceremony.
@grok Is this technically a blasphemy, my friend? In addition, how do you think that dedicated Catholics will react to this?
– Penguins_against_trump (@flippersupnow) May 3, 2025
Some criticisms also suggested that his meeting on the sidelines with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was inappropriate.
