In a recent social media post, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself in papal attire, leading to significant backlash from various communities.
The image, which shows Trump seated in a gold ornate chair wearing a cream-colored papal robe and mitre, was posted shortly after the funeral of Pope Francis.
The AI-generated image and its context
The controversial image was shared on Trump’s official social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), just days after Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26.
The timing of the post, coupled with the religious significance of the imagery, has led many to view it as disrespectful and inappropriate.
The image was created using artificial intelligence, a technology that has been increasingly used to generate realistic but fictional images of public figures.
Public reaction and criticism
The post has elicited a strong response from the public, with many expressing outrage over what they perceive as a blasphemous portrayal.
Critics argue that the image is not only disrespectful to the Catholic Church but also indicative of a broader disregard for religious sensitivities. Some have labeled the post as “a new low,” questioning the appropriateness of such content from a sitting president.
One person said: Trumpet has lost his mind completely! Shame on him!
A second wrote: Disrespecting the Catholic faith with his megalomaniac pixies in his head!
While a third commented: Does he not know how many people around the world actually hate him
Another added: I thought jokes were meant to be funny.
Another user wrote: He knows no lines, there are no truths; He knows only the price of everything and the value of nothing!
He needs to be put in a rest home,he’s not stable.
Testing his boundaries everyday. He’s very dangerous! Another added.
Previously, Trump jokes about becoming the next pope after Pope Francis’ death
Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday, April 21. His funeral was held Saturday and attended by several global leaders, including Donald Trump.
A conclave has been scheduled one week from now. Over 130 cardinals will gather at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to choose the next pope.
When asked who he would like to see as pope, Trump made a surprising and unsettling joke. Speaking on the White House lawn, he said:
“I’d like to be pope – that’d be my number one choice.”
Although clearly joking, the comment unsettled many. Critics and supporters quickly reacted across social media platforms.
Social media reacts strongly to Trump’s pope comment
Many were shocked by Trump’s pope comment, with some calling it disrespectful. Others believed it was a humorous, typical Trump-style statement.
One user wrote: A convicted pope.
Another added: If he becomes pope, the religious system might finally collapse.
Someone else joked: If Trump doesn’t get two-thirds vote, will he say the conclave was rigged?
Another added: Take the crayon away fast. If he gets one he will sign it. His bigly brain is probably on to it.
Someone else said: What is he thinking he has no voice in who becomes the next pope.
Nope, He’s a Dope, Not a Pope. Another user wrote.
Despite his claim, Trump is ineligible to be elected pope. Only baptized Catholics can be considered for the papacy. Trump identifies as Christian but not Catholic.