President Donald Trump has once more found himself at the middle of a social media drama after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed because the Pope.
The image, first appearing on Truth Social, depicts Trump in full papal regalia, complete with a white cassock, mitre, and enormous crucifix. It later appeared on official White House accounts.
From Donald Trump Truth Social 05/02/25 10:29 PM pic.twitter.com/6BmCkSY1Q8
As you’d imagine, the post has drawn a combination of criticism – mostly amusement, disrespect, and confusion. One X commenter said, “Please take this down. Many Catholics, myself included, find this as an awesome disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”
Others can’t help but chuckle on the absurdity of all of it. But find it irresistible or hate it, you’ve got to confess – the image has got people talking.
Pope Francis passed away recently, and Trump already triggered backlash by stating, “I’d wish to be Pope” before suggesting that a “excellent” cardinal from New York may very well be a possible candidate.
Trump’s divisive nature needs little introduction. Where he goes, unpredictability follows, having already drawn criticism for messing together with his phone and chewing gum on the Pope’s funeral.
The White House has not yet commented on the intent behind the AI-generated image.
Trump was raised Presbyterian but now identifies as a non-denominational Christian, and has a fancy relationship with the Christian faith community given a few of his behaviors, convictions, and allegations.
While he’s enjoyed strong support from conservative evangelical voters, his grasp of Christian doctrine has often been called into query.
Of course, this isn’t the primary time AI has dipped into the world of faith. Last 12 months in Germany, an AI-powered avatar delivered a sermon to a packed house at St. Paul’s church. A computer-generated preacher took to the pulpit and waxed poetic about every thing from overcoming fear to trusting in Jesus, all while sporting a moderately unsettling, unchanging expression.
Back in 2023, an AI-generated image of Pope Francis himself wearing a stylish Balenciaga puffer jacket made the rounds on social media. AI deep fakes have since grow to be way more realistic.
For now, nonetheless, the main target stays on the upcoming papal conclave and the longer term direction of the Catholic Church within the post-Francis era.
As the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics await white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, Trump’s digital dalliance will not be more likely to improve his image with many.
