Kathrine Frich
The image, shared on Truth Social, was posted shortly after Trump joked that he’d nominate himself as the next pontiff.
The image, shared on Truth Social, was posted shortly after Trump joked that he’d nominate himself as the next pontiff.
President Donald Trump has sparked outrage and laughter after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope just days before the Catholic Church begins its conclave to select a new leader.
What began as satire quickly turned into a cultural flashpoint, drawing responses from political allies, Catholic officials, and social media watchdogs.
JD Vance Brushes It Off as “Just a Joke”
Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis shortly before his death on Easter Monday, defended Trump’s post.
“I’m fine with people telling jokes,” Vance said on X, brushing off accusations of disrespect.
He aimed his criticism elsewhere, saying, “I’m not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen.”
The post was a direct response to political commentator Bill Kristol, who asked Vance whether he supported Trump’s “mocking of the Holy Father.”
Just Days Before the Conclave
Trump’s papal cosplay comes at a sensitive moment.
The College of Cardinals is set to begin the papal conclave on May 7 to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died at 88.
Trump’s post, critics say, trivialised a sacred Catholic tradition during a time of mourning and transition.
From Self-Nomination to Cardinal Endorsement
True to form, Trump didn’t stop at the AI photo.
He publicly joked that he would be his own “number one choice” to replace Pope Francis, before pivoting to endorse Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York.
While no American has ever been elected pope, Trump’s comment blurred the line between irreverent humour and political posturing.
“Do Not Mock Us”
The backlash came swiftly. The New York State Catholic Conference issued a strong rebuke:
“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,” their official X account posted.
“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave… Do not mock us.”
The White House and GOP Weigh In
Unusually, the official White House X account reposted Trump’s image, appearing to amplify the joke rather than distance the administration from it.
Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham joined the fun with mock-serious support for Trump’s papal ambitions.
“There is very positive reception,” Graham wrote, adding that “next week is crucial as the papal conclave convenes.”