Controversial depiction: An AI-generated image of Trump portrayed as the pope surfaces prior to the papal conclave, sparking criticism.

In a bizarre turn of events, PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP shared an AI-generated image of himself donning pope attire on his Truth Social platform, just days before the upcoming POPE'S SUCCESSOR CONCLAVE and amid ongoing mourning for the late Pope Francis. This move sparked outrage from Catholic bishops in New York and Italy, as well as a wave of backlash on social media and in Italian and Spanish media.[1]

The image, which featured Trump adorned in a white cassock and pointed miter (bishop's hat), was a topic of conversation during the Vatican's daily conclave briefing over the weekend.[1] Italian and Spanish reports observed that it showed poor taste and found it offensive, given the ongoing mourning period.[2]

Left-leaning former MATTEO RENZI, former Italian Prime Minister, described the image as shameful, condemning it for offending believers, insulting institutions, and suggesting that Trump derived enjoyment from clowning around amid political and economic turmoil in the US.[3] The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, declined to comment on the matter.[3]

NEW YORK STATE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE, which represents the state's bishops, accused Trump of mockery in response to the image's posting.[3] Meanwhile, Italy's left-leaning LA REPUBBLICA slammed Trump for his apparent pathological megalomania, featuring the image on their homepage alongside a critical commentary.[1]

When faced with the criticism, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY KAROLINE LEAVITT defended Trump's actions by pointing to his previous pilgrimage to pay his respects for Pope Francis and his lengthy history of supporting Catholics and religious liberty.[3] JACK POSIBOECF, a far-right influencer and Trump ally, also supported the president, claiming that humor was simply a part of Catholics' everyday conversations regarding the upcoming pope selection.[1]

Notably, this incident occurred after Trump publicly expressed interest in becoming pope last week, joking about his potential candidacy despite not being Catholic.[1] SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, a close Trump ally, also weighed in, expressing excitement over the possibility of Trump becoming pope and asserting that the first combination of a Pope-U.S. President would yield numerous advantages.[1]

VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE, who is Catholic and met with Pope Francis in his final days, joked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming pope, suggesting that he could add another title to his growing list of roles.[1] Trump himself has promoted the idea of CARDINAL TIMEOTHY DOLAN, the archbishop of New York, as a potential new pope.[1]

Controversies surrounding Trump's administration, such as its stand on immigration and efforts to deport migrants massively, have previously led to confrontations with U.S. bishops and, in particular, Pope Francis.[4]

Footnotes

Adapted from enrichment data sources 1 and 2 for improved readability and story flow.
Enrichment data sources 1, 2, and 3 were analyzed to draw key insights and incorporate them into the revised article.
Incorporated enrichment data points 3, 4, and 5 to further address cultural and religious sensitivity, perceived lack of respect, and the timing and provocative nature of Trump's actions.
Information from enrichment data source 4 was included to provide context regarding Trump's administration's past conflicts with the Catholic Church.

References for Enrichment Data:1. https://www.youraper.com/story/news/2023/05/07/trump-posts-artificial-intelligence-generated-image-himself-dressed-as-pope-ahead-of-papal-conclave/72052928007/2. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-trumps-artificial-intelligence-generated-image-of-him-as-pope-offensive-to-many-360423. https://www.autostrada.com/24-hours-after-pope-francis-death-trump-posted-ai-generated-image-of-himself-as-pope-926378.html4. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-president-says-she-rejected-trumps-plan-to-send-us-troops-across-the-border/

The controversial image of President Donald Trump dressed as a pope, shared on his Truth Social platform, generated discussion in Seattle, given its timing before the Pope's successor conclave and the ongoing reverence for Pope Francis.
Matteo Renzi, the former Italian Prime Minister, weighed in on the matter, stating that the image was shameful and offensive, reflecting Trump's apparent disregard for religious sensitivities amidst political and economic turmoil in the US.
In the midst of this controversy, the conversation also extended to general news and entertainment platforms, with some discussing the potential implications if Trump's favorite, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, were to become the new pope.