In a move that’s drawing sharp criticism, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope, just days after the death of Pope Francis.
The post, shared from official White House social media accounts, comes at a delicate time for Catholics around the world who are mourning and preparing for a new papal election.
The Image That Stirred Emotions
The AI-created picture shows Trump wearing traditional papal garments, including a white cassock, mitre, and a large cross.
With a raised finger and solemn expression, the image mimicked a holy pose, but many didn’t find it amusing.
Critics say the timing couldn’t be worse.
“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis,” wrote the New York State Catholic Conference on X (formerly Twitter). “Do not mock us.”
They weren’t alone in their anger.
Backlash From Across the Globe
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also took issue with the post. In a blunt response, he called it offensive to believers and accused Trump of making a joke out of a sacred institution.
“This insults the faithful and makes a joke of the papacy,” Renzi said in Italian on X.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a longtime acquaintance of Trump, didn’t hold back either. “It wasn’t good,” he said after a Sunday Mass in Rome.
Switching to Italian, he called it a “brutta figura” – a phrase Italians use to describe a public embarrassment.
The Vatican Keeps Quiet, for Now
While many public figures weighed in, Vatican officials stayed silent.
When asked about the image, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni chose not to comment.
The Church is currently focused on organizing the conclave that will elect the next pope.
What Did Trump Say?
Trump, who recently joked, “I’d like to be Pope,” hasn’t directly addressed the criticism. But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post.
“President Trump flew to Italy to attend Pope Francis’s funeral and pay his respects.
He’s been a consistent supporter of Catholics and religious freedom,” she said in a statement.
Still, many wonder: if the image wasn’t meant as mockery, what was the goal?
A Bigger Conversation About AI and Respect
This incident opens up a broader discussion – how far is too far when using AI-generated content?
Using artificial intelligence for humor or commentary is becoming more common.
But when religion, death, or grieving communities are involved, the line between clever and careless can be razor-thin.
Let’s be real, AI tools are powerful. But just because you can create something doesn’t always mean you should share it.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick look at what happened and what it could mean:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened? | Trump shared an AI image of himself dressed as the Pope |
| When? | Just days after Pope Francis’s death |
| Why the backlash? | Many saw it as disrespectful and poorly timed |
| Did Trump respond? | Not directly, but the White House defended the post |
| Is the image still live? | As of now, yes |
| Vatican reaction? | No comment yet |
Final Thoughts
This moment is a reminder that AI, while fascinating, isn’t just about tech.
It’s about timing, tone, and the people who see what you create.
Whether you’re a president or an average user, respect still matters, especially when faith and mourning are involved.
