Several Catholic leaders and at least one U.S.-based Catholic group have voiced concerns after former President Donald Trump shared an image on social media that appears to have been created using artificial intelligence, depicting him dressed as the pope.
The image was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account on Friday evening and was later reshared by the White House on an official account. In the image, Trump appears in traditional papal attire, including a white cassock, gold cross, and the ceremonial mitre.
Trump had recently traveled to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The papal conclave to elect the next pope is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Religious leaders expressed that the image was inappropriate, particularly during a period of mourning for the Catholic community. Some described it as offensive and argued that it disrespects the papacy and the solemnity of the current moment. Others urged for greater sensitivity during the transition to a new pope.
A White House spokesperson stated that the former president traveled to pay his respects and emphasized his longstanding support for Catholics and religious freedom. Meanwhile, other public figures offered mixed reactions, touching on themes such as freedom of expression and reverence for religious institutions.
