Donald Trump Shares AI Image of Himself as Pope, Stirring Outrage Just a Week After Pope Francis’ Funeral
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope, just one week following the funeral of Pope Francis.
The Republican, who is not Catholic, shared the striking image on Truth Social, where he is seen wearing the traditional white papal miter, with a large crucifix hanging from his neck. Trump’s lighthearted post comes after he previously joked with reporters about his interest in taking on the papacy. “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice,” he had said.
While on the White House lawn, Trump also remarked that he had no particular preference for the next Pope, though he did mention a “very good” cardinal in New York.
This provocative post follows closely after Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, as cardinals gather to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, leaving behind a legacy of devout service to God and the Church. In his final days, he blessed thousands in St. Peter’s Square, reaffirming his commitment to his spiritual mission.
Trump’s image has not gone unnoticed, with many online denouncing the post as “disrespectful” to Catholics, especially during a time of mourning. “Trump is mocking the Christian world with this image,” one critic wrote, while others urged him to take the post down immediately. “This is an insult to those grieving the loss of Pope Francis, their spiritual leader.”
Donald Trump Posts AI Image of Himself as Pope, Just One Week After Pope Francis’ Funeral
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Amid this sacred moment, former President Donald Trump has sparked widespread backlash after posting an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope, just days after the funeral of Pope Francis. Many online users expressed outrage at the post, calling it “sacrilegious” and “classless.”
“Is anyone else surprised that Trump would be so brazenly sacrilegious? Me neither. Classless,” one user commented, while another added, “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide.”
One follower pleaded with Trump, “Please take this down. May Catholics, myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our Church.”
Others criticized the former president for the timing of the post, with one writing, “Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning, and you post this?”
This isn’t the only controversy surrounding Trump’s actions in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing. He was also accused of breaking the dress code at the pope’s funeral, attending in a blue suit and tie instead of the more traditional black attire.