Donald Trump recently stirred controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself in papal attire on his Truth Social platform. This post came just 11 days after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away due to a stroke and heart failure at the age of 88. The image features Trump wearing traditional papal regalia, complete with a large gold cross around his neck.
The post was shared early Saturday morning and quickly gained traction. It was later published on the White House’s X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts, where it received over 100,000 likes. However, the reactions were largely negative. Many users criticized the image as disrespectful, with comments labeling it "disgusting," "offensive," and "mocking" the late Pope’s death.
This incident follows a lighthearted remark made by Trump last week when he expressed a desire to be Pope himself. During a conversation with reporters on the White House lawn, he stated, "I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice." He also mentioned a cardinal from New York whom he thought was "very good," but did not name a specific preference for Francis’s successor.
As the backlash grew, some commentators noted that the image seemed to trivialize a serious moment for the Catholic Church. On X, one user remarked that Trump was "making a mockery of the pious," while another called the decision "not wise." Despite the criticism, the image still garnered significant engagement online.
The conclave to elect a new pope is set to begin on May 7, following Francis’s death. Many are now speculating about who will take on this vital role within the Roman Catholic Church. Trump’s own religious beliefs have been a topic of discussion for years. Raised as a Presbyterian, he later identified as a non-denominational Christian, but the depth of his faith has often been questioned.
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced backlash for his actions surrounding the Pope. Recently, he was criticized for wearing a non-traditional blue suit and chewing gum during Francis’s funeral. However, his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the service was seen positively by some clergy members, who referred to it as "Pope Francis’s miracle."
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and anticipates the selection of a new leader, Trump’s provocative post adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about faith, respect, and the role of public figures in sensitive matters.