Trump faces backlash after posting AI image dressed as pope

Trump’s AI pope image has ignited a wave of criticism from Catholic leaders, conservative commentators, and political opponents just days before the Vatican’s conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The former U.S. president, who is not Catholic, posted the AI-generated image of himself dressed in full papal attire on his Truth Social platform late Friday, sparking outrage across religious and political spheres.

The post, shared less than a week after Pope Francis’ funeral, depicted Trump seated solemnly in an ornate papal throne, wearing traditional white vestments and a headdress, with his forefinger raised in a gesture reminiscent of blessing. The White House later reposted the image on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, escalating the controversy.

In remarks made earlier this week, Trump jokingly told reporters he would like to be the next pope, stating, “That would be my number one choice,” although he admitted having no real preference. He did, however, mention a “very good” cardinal from New York—believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a known conservative voice within the Church.

The backlash was swift. The New York State Catholic Conference condemned the image, calling it offensive and ill-timed. “We just buried our beloved Pope Francis… Do not mock us,” the Conference wrote.

Republicans Against Trump, a group of conservative anti-Trump voices, labeled it “a blatant insult to Catholics.” Meanwhile, Italian politicians and media expressed similar outrage. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi decried it as a disrespectful act that tarnishes institutions. La Repubblica, a major Italian daily, criticized the image as evidence of Trump’s “pathological megalomania.”

The Vatican has declined to officially comment, but the incident has added tension to an already solemn period for Catholics worldwide.

As cardinals prepare to enter the conclave on May 7, Trump’s AI pope image continues to stoke debate over digital manipulation, religious sensitivity, and political theater.