Just days after the death of Pope Francis, former President Donald Trump has once again ignited controversy—this time by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope. The photo, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, features Trump clad in full papal regalia: a flowing white robe, a mitre perched on his head, and a large crucifix draped around his neck. With one hand raised in what appears to be a gesture of blessing, the image has drawn widespread criticism.The post came only days after Trump jokingly told reporters at the White House that, if given the choice, he’d like to succeed Pope Francis. “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice,” he quipped. He quickly added that he had no strong preference for the next pontiff, though he praised the Cardinal of New York—believed to be a nod to Cardinal Timothy Dolan.The Vatican is currently in the midst of a conclave to select a new pope following Francis’ passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88, reportedly due to complications from a stroke and heart failure.Trump’s post triggered immediate backlash, especially from within the Catholic community. While some of his most loyal supporters hailed the image as humorous and a deliberate provocation aimed at his critics, others found it profoundly offensive. “This is a time of mourning,” one user wrote. “Posting this now shows a complete lack of respect for our Church and our grief.”Another commenter wrote: “As someone outside the U.S., this is appalling. The Pope is a sacred figure to millions. This is not a joke.”Even more criticism poured in, recalling Trump’s behavior at the late Pope’s funeral last month, where he arrived in an unconventional blue suit and was seen chewing gum during the service—actions many found disrespectful. Others were frustrated by his choice to hold a sidebar meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the solemn occasion.As the Catholic world watches and waits for its next leader, Trump’s latest move has once again placed him squarely at the center of controversy—leaving both critics and supporters fiercely divided.
