Catholic Leaders Criticize Trump’s AI Pope Picture Amid Conclave Preparations

Could 4, 2025

President Donald Trump has sparked widespread controversy by posting an AI-generated picture of himself dressed because the pope on his Reality Social platform, an motion that has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and communities worldwide. The picture, shared on Friday, Could 2, 2025, depicts Trump in a white cassock, mitre, and gold cross, seated solemnly with a raised finger. The publish, which was reposted by the White Home’s official X account, comes lower than two weeks after the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26 and days earlier than the Vatican’s conclave to elect a brand new pontiff begins on Could 7.

Catholic Leaders Condemn the Picture

The timing of Trump’s publish, throughout the Catholic Church’s nine-day mourning interval following Pope Francis’s dying on April 21, has been extensively criticized as disrespectful. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and a determine pleasant with Trump, expressed disapproval, stating to journalists in Rome, “It wasn’t good,” and expressing hope that Trump “didn’t have something to do with” the picture. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines referred to as the picture “not humorous” in a Fb publish, emphasizing the Catholic world’s ongoing grief.

The New York State Catholic Convention, representing the state’s bishops, issued a robust rebuke on X, stating, “There’s nothing intelligent or humorous about this picture, Mr. President. We simply buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a brand new successor of St. Peter. Don’t mock us.” Father Gerald Murray, a New York priest, described the publish as “foolish,” whereas American Jesuit priest James Martin referred to as it “deeply offensive,” noting the distinction in response if an identical publish had come from a Democratic president.

Internationally, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi condemned the picture as “shameful,” writing on X, “That is a picture that offends believers, insults establishments and exhibits that the chief of the right-wing world enjoys clowning round.” Italy’s La Repubblica accused Trump of “pathological megalomania,” whereas Spanish and Italian media labeled the publish as in poor style given the mourning interval.

Trump’s Context and White Home Response

The controversy follows Trump’s attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral in St. Peter’s Sq., the place he was criticized for sporting a non-traditional blue go well with and reportedly chewing gum. Earlier within the week, Trump had joked to reporters that he can be his “primary alternative” for pope, earlier than suggesting Cardinal Dolan as a candidate, a remark that will have undermined Dolan’s standing within the secretive conclave course of.

White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump, stating, “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 non secular liberty.” Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, downplayed the controversy, posting on X that he’s “high-quality with folks telling jokes” and prefers humor over “silly wars.” Far-right influencer Jack Posobiec, additionally Catholic, dismissed critics, writing, “I’m Catholic. We’ve all been making jokes concerning the upcoming Pope choice all week. It’s referred to as a humorousness.”

Supporters and Critics on Social Media

The picture has polarized reactions on-line. Trump allies, together with Senator Lindsey Graham, leaned into the humor, with Graham posting on X, “I used to be excited to listen to that President Trump is open to the thought of being the subsequent Pope. This would really be a darkish horse candidate, however I’d ask the papal conclave and Catholic devoted to maintain an open thoughts!” The MAGA Voice X account praised the picture, claiming Trump “can be one of many BEST Popes to ever reside.”

Conversely, critics expressed outrage. The Republicans In opposition to Trump X account referred to as the publish “full-on lunacy,” whereas Democratic activist Harry Sisson labeled Trump a “man-child” for specializing in such posts amid financial challenges. Michael Steele, former Republican Nationwide Committee chair and a Catholic, wrote, “This affirms how unserious and incapable he’s. At 78 he stays a 10yo little one, emotionally scarred and damaged.” X person @MissSassbox referred to as the publish “disrespectful” to Catholics grieving Pope Francis, a sentiment echoed by many.

Broader Implications

The incident just isn’t Trump’s first brush with controversial AI imagery. In February, he shared an AI-generated picture of himself as a king after ending New York’s congestion pricing program, and final August, he posted faux photos claiming Taylor Swift’s endorsement. The Vatican, by way of spokesman Matteo Bruni, declined to remark, focusing as a substitute on preparations for the conclave, which is able to contain 133 cardinal electors.

Because the Catholic Church prepares for a solemn course of to pick out its subsequent chief, Trump’s publish has been seen by many as a distraction and an affront to a religion neighborhood of 1.4 billion. Whereas his supporters view it as a innocent jest, the backlash from Catholic leaders and worldwide figures underscores the sensitivity of the second, with the conclave set to form the Church’s future amid world challenges.