Catholic leaders, Italian PM slam Trump for posting AI image depicting him as Pope “There is nothing clever or funny”

Catholic leaders and politicians have slammed U.S. President Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope, calling the move offensive and disrespectful just days after the death of Pope Francis.

The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops across the state, condemned the post on Saturday, writing on X: “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 a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

The digitally altered image, shared on May 2 night via official White House social media accounts, shows Trump in full papal regalia — a white cassock, mitre, and large cross — with a raised finger and solemn expression. The timing of the post, amid a period of mourning for Catholics worldwide and just ahead of a conclave to elect the next pontiff, drew immediate backlash.

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi joined the criticism, calling the post “an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around.”

Trump, who recently joked to reporters, “I’d like to be Pope,” has not personally responded to the criticism. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president, stating: “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”

The Vatican has declined to comment publicly. Spokesman Matteo Bruni deflected questions about the image during a press briefing on May 3, as attention remains focused on preparations for the conclave beginning Wednesday.

This is not the first time a U.S. president has been accused of disrespect toward the Catholic faith. In 2024, President Joe Biden faced a similar storm of criticism after making the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion rally in Tampa, Florida.

By Khagan Isayev