Trump Sparks Backlash with AI Pope Image Amid Vatican Conclave

President Donald Trump drew criticism after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on Truth Social. The controversial image, uploaded just days before the Catholic Church's cardinal conclave to elect a new pope, shows Trump in white papal vestments, seated solemnly with one finger raised. This follows the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 in April.

Trump, who is not Catholic and rarely attends church, joked earlier this week that he’d be his own top pick for pope, later naming Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a “very good” candidate. However, Dolan is not considered a leading contender. The image was reposted by the White House’s official X account, intensifying reactions online.

Catholic leaders and political figures swiftly condemned the post. The Catholic bishops of New York called it disrespectful, stating, “We just buried our beloved Pope Francis... Do not mock us.” Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi labeled it “an insult to believers” and a sign Trump “enjoys being a clown,” while conservative anti-Trump Republicans called the post “a blatant insult to Catholics.”

The Vatican declined to comment during a press briefing ahead of the conclave, set to begin May 7. Meanwhile, supporters like Debbie Macchia, waiting outside Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, defended the post, saying it was “clearly joking,” though she cautioned against sacrilegious depictions.

This is not the first instance of Trump sharing AI-generated content. In February, he posted an image of himself wearing a crown with the caption “LONG LIVE THE KING,” celebrating the end of Manhattan's congestion pricing.

The incident adds fuel to ongoing debates over the ethical use of AI-generated political imagery and religious sensitivity.