On May 2, 2025, President Donald Trump set the internet ablaze with an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, posted on Truth Social and later reposted by the White House’s official X account. The provocative image, showing Trump in papal vestments seated in St. Peter’s Basilica, came just days after he jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” following Pope Francis’s death on April 21. With the Vatican preparing for a conclave on May 7 to elect a new pontiff, the post has triggered a global backlash, drawing accusations of blasphemy and disrespect during a period of mourning.
The timing of the post, during the Catholic Church’s Novemdiales mourning period, has fueled outrage. The New York State Catholic Conference condemned it, stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis. Do not mock us.” Italian media, including La Repubblica, branded Trump’s actions as “pathological megalomania,” while former Italian Premier Matteo Renzi called the image an insult to believers and institutions. American Jesuit priest James Martin labeled it “deeply offensive” on X, reflecting widespread Catholic sentiment.
Trump’s supporters, however, embraced the stunt. Senator Lindsey Graham leaned into the humor, posting on X, “Glad to report strong momentum for President Trump to be the next Pope!” Vice President JD Vance dismissed critics, writing, “I’m fine with people telling jokes.” On X, accounts like The MAGA Voice hailed “Pope Trump” as “one of the BEST Popes to ever live,” while others called it “legendary trolling.” Yet, critics like former RNC chairman Michael Steele slammed Trump as “unserious and incapable,” arguing the post underscores his immaturity at 78.
This isn’t Trump’s first foray into controversial AI content. Previous posts include an AI video of a resort-like Gaza Strip and fake images of Taylor Swift endorsing him. The White House defended the latest post, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “President Trump flew to Italy to honor Pope Francis at his funeral and has been a champion for religious liberty.” Still, as the Vatican braces for the conclave, the “Pope Trump” controversy has cemented his knack for provocation, leaving Catholics and global observers divided between amusement and disgust.
