Trump faces backslash for posting AI image of himself as Pope

US President Donald Trump has been criticised by some Catholics after posting an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope.

The picture, which was poster by official White House social media accounts, comes as Catholics pay tribute to Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, and prepare to elect a new pope. The New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of disrespecting religion. The post comes days after his comments about the post sparked controversy: “I’d like to be Pope.”

Trump is not the first president to be accused of causing offence to the Catholic faith. Former US President Joe Biden, a Catholic, triggered widespread criticism a year ago when he made the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion access rally in Florida.

Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesman, chose not to respond to questions about Trump’s post during a media briefing on Saturday. The Vatican is preparing to assemble to elect a new pope this coming Wednesday.

The image posted by Trump on Friday night depicts him wearing a white cassock and pointed mitre, traditionally worn by a bishop. He wears a large cross around his neck, and has his single finger lifted, with a serious look. The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in New York, took to X to criticise the picture.

The group wrote that “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.”

Former left-leaning Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also criticised Trump’s post. Matteo Renzi wrote in Italian on X that “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around.”

Despite this, White House declined to consider any suggestion that the Republican president was making fun of the papacy. Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”

The criticism continued on Sunday, as New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who has been friendly with Trump for years, made it clear to reporters that he disliked the image.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan said that “It wasn’t good because  after attending a Mass in Rome. I hope he didn’t have anything to do with that.” Archbishop Timothy Dolan called it a “brutta figura”, an Italian phrase meaning a bad or embarrassing impression.

Asked if the White House should delete the image and apologise, he said again in Italian, “Who knows?” and refused to comment further.

READ: Ibrahim Mahama assists Suzzy with surgery cost, procedure starts Monday