President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated image of himself in papal regalia, just 11 days after Pope Francis’ death.
The image, posted on Truth Social, shows President Trump dressed in white wearing a papal hat, known as a mitre, with a large crucifix hanging around his neck. His hand is raised with the index finger extended as if giving a belssing.
Days earlier the president quipped that he’d like to be the pontiff when asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis. He told reporters at the White House: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
Trump went on to say that he actually didn’t have a preference, but that the cardinal in New York was “very good,” likely referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.
The conclave to select a new pontiff is now 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 post has been met with scathing criticism, with many describing it as startlingly insensitive, disrespectful and sacrilegious, as well as hailed by some staunch MAGA supporters. Some Trump backers called the image “hilarious,” and hailed Trump for infuriating the “left,” though clearly the religiously devout appeared to be the most offended.
“Please take this down,” pleaded one social media user. “Many Catholics, myself included, find this as a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”
Another responded: “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide. The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”
“Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?” one critic posted.
The president was criticized over his appearance at Pope Francis’ funeral last month, after he attended wearing a non-traditional blue suit, and was seen chewing gum during the ceremony.
Some critics also suggested his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines at the funeral was inappropriate.
