Trump Sparks Controversy with AI Papal Image Days After Pope Francis's Death
May 3, 2025
In a move that has ignited international backlash, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed in ornate papal regalia just eleven days after the passing of Pope Francis. The digitally altered photo, which depicts Trump wearing a grand white robe and a large gold cross, first appeared early Saturday on his Truth Social platform before being shared—without caption or context—on the official White House X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts.
Despite the absence of explanation, the image went viral, receiving over 100,000 likes across platforms. But the reaction was far from universally positive. While some supporters praised the image as bold and symbolic, the majority of public responses condemned it as insensitive, disrespectful, and poorly timed.
The controversial post comes on the heels of Trump's recent remarks about the papacy. During an informal exchange with reporters on the White House lawn last week, Trump was asked who he hoped would succeed Pope Francis. His response: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.” Though he later mentioned a "very good" cardinal in New York, the comment raised eyebrows globally.
Critics have accused the president of mocking the late pontiff and exploiting a moment of global mourning for attention. One social media user wrote, “This isn’t satire. It’s not funny. It’s offensive.” Others labeled the image “disturbing” and “a mockery of the faithful.”
On Instagram, where the post quickly surpassed 58,000 likes, and on X, where it garnered more than 78,000, debate surged. “Trump is making a mockery of the pious,” one user wrote. Another added, “This is not a wise decision—especially so close to the conclave.”
The Vatican is set to begin the conclave on May 7 to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at age 88 due to complications from a stroke and heart failure. Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had served as head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013.
Trump’s conduct during Francis’s funeral also drew criticism. Observers noted that he wore a non-traditional blue suit and was seen chewing gum during the solemn Vatican service. Yet, his pre-mass meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inside St. Peter’s Basilica was praised by some clergy as a diplomatic breakthrough, even being dubbed "Pope Francis’s miracle."
Trump’s relationship with religion has long been complex. Raised Presbyterian, he declared himself a non-denominational Christian in 2020. Despite doubts about the sincerity of his faith, Trump continues to enjoy strong backing from conservative Christians and evangelical voters—an essential base in both of his presidential campaigns.
This is not the first time Trump has used AI-generated content to push political or ideological narratives. Earlier this year, he posted a surreal video portraying Gaza transformed into a utopian tourist destination, complete with skyscrapers, yachts, and appearances from Elon Musk and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—another post that sparked both fascination and fury online.
As the Vatican prepares for its next chapter, President Trump’s latest digital provocation adds another layer to the evolving intersection of politics, technology, and faith.