Trump posts AI image of himself as pope, draws Catholic backlash
Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope. Captured from Truth Social
U.S. President Donald Trump is facing criticism after posting an image of himself dressed as the pope, just days before the Catholic Church begins a conclave to select its next leader.
On May 2, local time, Trump uploaded an AI-generated image to his social media platform Truth Social, showing himself wearing papal attire. In the photo, he dons the traditional white robes of the pope, a gold crucifix necklace, and a papal crown. His expression is stern, and his right index finger is raised toward the sky.
The image was posted as Catholics around the world mourn the death of Pope Francis. Many viewed the act as mocking the Catholic faith. The Catholic Bishops of New York State issued a sharp rebuke, posting on social media: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter the solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”
The controversy follows comments Trump made on April 29 while departing the White House for a 100-day celebration event in Michigan. When asked by reporters about his preference for the next pope, Trump responded that he wanted to be the pope, calling it his number one choice. He then added, “I don’t know. I have no preference. We have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good,” referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, known for his conservative views.
The Vatican is scheduled to begin its papal conclave, May 7, to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21. According to U.S. political outlet Politico, Cardinal Dolan is not currently considered a leading contender. However, British newspaper The Times and other foreign outlets have reported that Trump and many of his supporters hope a conservative figure will be chosen as the new pope.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.