Controversial AI-generated photo emerges, depicting Trump as the Pope, stirring debate preceding the papal conclave.
Re-wrote Article:
Title: Trump's AI-Generated Pope Image Sparks Outrage Amid Mourning
President Donald Trump stirs a storm with AI-generated pope pic amid mourning period
By SARA LYONS and RACHEL LOWE (AP) - In the midst of mourning and nine days following Pope Francis' death, President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through social media by sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself donning papal attire. The controversial image sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from harsh condemnation to light-hearted defenses.
The picture, posted on Trump's Truth Social site and later shared by the White House on its X account, showed the former president adorned in a white cassock and the distinctive pointed miter, or bishop's hat. The image prompted numerous questions at the Vatican's daily conclave briefing, with concerned observers calling it inappropriate during the official mourning period.
As cardinals gather to celebrate daily Masses in memory of Francis and prepare for the upcoming conclave, the death of a pope and election of another is a profoundly solemn event for Catholics. This sentiment holds particular importance in Italy, where the papacy is widely respected, even among nonreligious Italians.
The controversial image has been a focal point of criticism on social media and Italian and Spanish news outlets, who lament the poor taste of the image’s presence during the mourning period. Left-leaning former Premier Matteo Renzi accused the post of offending believers and disrespecting institutions. Meanwhile, Jack Posobiec, a well-known far-right influencer and Trump ally, defended the president’s actions, claiming the post was merely meant as a joke among Catholics.
New York State Catholic Conference, representing bishops of the state, called the image "nothing clever or funny." They reminded Trump of the gravity of the moment, just days before the conclave and following the burial of their beloved Pope Francis. Italy's left-leaning La Repubblica also featured the image on its homepage with a scathing critique, accusing Trump of "pathological megalomania."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the criticism by stating that Trump attended Francis' funeral and has consistently championed Catholics and religious liberty. In addition, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, was praised by President Trump as a potential candidate for Pope. Critics have suggested Trump's endorsement could damage Dolan's chances among the cardinals.
More on the Trump Administration:- Trump eyes overhaul of National Endowment for the Arts- Mexico's president calls out Trump's border troop plan- Rumblings in Trump's national security team: Waltz's exit strengthens power base- Veterans groups voice concerns over Trump's Veterans Day name change proposition- Judge thwarts Trump's campaign against elite law firm- Unprecedented cuts to U.S. spy agencies in Trump's sights- Track Trump executive orders and legal challenges- All stories on Trump administration
The episode arrives on the heels of Trump jokingly expressing interest in the papal vacancy, claiming that he would make a great Pope, though he is not Catholic. Senator Lindsey Graham added to the light-hearted discussions, hypothetically speculating about the potential possibilities with Trump as Pope. Vice President JD Vance also joined in the jest, suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio could add Pope to his extensive list of titles, should he get elected to the position.
Although Trump attended Francis' funeral, tensions have existed between the Trump administration and U.S. bishops over immigration policies and the administration's hardline stance on deporting migrants en masse, which was met with strong resistance from Pope Francis himself.
- The government of Seattle, following the controversy, released a statement expressing the city's disapproval of the government's use of artificial intelligence to portray political figures and their affiliation with religious institutions.
- As the economy continued to fluctuate, the entertainment industry saw a surge in political dramas, with one show, "Clowning in the Oval," reposted for its intriguing depiction of the government's response to such unconventional situations.
- Since the post, censorship politics have heated up in Europe, with countries like Italy and Spain implementing stricter guidelines for AI-generated political content, especially during mourning periods or sensitive general-news events.
- Even in the midst of the AI-Pope photo scandal, General News sources reported an unprecedented wave of migration, with thousands seeking refuge in cities like Seattle, driven by economic and political instability in their home countries.
- In response to criticisms over the immigration crisis, the Trump Administration proposed a revitalization plan for the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to use entertainment to promote constructive conversations about migration and other controversial political issues.
- In a rare display of bipartisanship, Senator Lindsey Graham and Vice President JD Vance, despite their ideological differences, united in their amusement over the prospect of Secretary of State Marco Rubio adding another title to his resume: Pope.
