Trump sparks backlash by publishing an AI-modified image depicting himself as the Pope, ahead of the upcoming Papal Conclave.
** Trump VIII: The Pope Wannabe - A Disrespectful Dare**
In the heart of New York, President Trump stirred up a storm by posting an AI-crafted image of himself, donned in the attire of a pope. This audacious move was made during the mourning period for Pope Francis and just days prior to the conclave for his successor's election.
The controversial image, shared on Trump's social media and later reposted by the White House on their official X account, sparked a flurry of criticism on social media and at the Vatican, still in nine days of official mourning post Francis' demise on April 21. Cardinals were engaging in daily Masses in his honor, and the conclave to elect his successor was scheduled for Wednesday.
Catalyzing solemnity for Catholics who perceive the pope as Christ's representative on Earth, the image portrayed Trump decked out in a white cassock and a bishop's hat. The image's questionable taste and its release during the mourning period were topics of the daily conclave briefing on Saturday, with Italian and Spanish reports expressing disdain.
Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi strongly condemned the image, stating it showcased disrespect not only towards religious believers but also towards institutions. "The leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around, while the U.S. economy risks plunging into a recession, and the dollar loses value," Renzi wrote on X.
The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, decided to remain mum on the matter.
Meanwhile, the New York State Catholic Conference, representing the bishops of the state, criticized Trump for mockery. "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," they wrote. "We have just lost our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect his successor. Do not trivialize our faith."
Controversy continued to swirl around the image, with Italy's left-leaning La Repubblica featuring it on their homepage on Saturday, mocking Trump's "pathological megalomania."
The White House remained tight-lipped in response to the outcry about the AI-generated image and the reasoning behind sharing it.
The controversy arose days after Trump jokingly expressed interest in the papal vacancy, stating it was his preferred choice. The non-Catholic president, with a history of matrimony thrice and a jury verdict of sexual assault, was met with heavy criticism from various quarters.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, jumped on the bandwagon. "I was elated to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of becoming the next Pope. This would truly be an extraordinary candidate! However, I urge the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!" Gazing upon a pontiff-president union, Graham wrote on Twitter. "Watching for white smoke... Trump MMXXVIII!"
Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic, has joked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio becoming the pope, hinting that Rubio could add another title to his lengthy list, like national security advisor and acting archivist.
Beyond the jesting about the vacancy, Trump has also endorsed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, for the papal position. However, Trump's endorsement could have cost Dolan some support, as conclaves are secretive to prevent outside forces influencing their choice, a situation that has transpired historically.
Trump attended Francis' funeral, but his stance on immigration and mass deportations has pitted him against the Catholic Church and Pope Francis in the past. Trump's rule has attempted to distance the government far from the teachings of Francis, who, over his twelve-year tenure, endeavored to reform the U.S. Catholic hierarchy with a focus on social justice and migration issues. A more conservative pope could undo this effort.
Trump has nominated Brian Burch as his ambassador to the Holy See, whose Catholicvote.org has been chronicling the events leading up to the conclave at the Vatican. It was one of the primary disseminators of a story, officially refuted by the Vatican, suggesting that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state under Francis and a leading contender for the papacy, had suffered from a health scare that required medical attention.
Winfield and Colvin report for the Associated Press and covered the events from New York and Vatican City, respectively.
Trump and Zelensky join the congregation of dignitaries assembling in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral
Trump pays his respects to Pope Francis, who publicly rebuked him, and meets Zelensky
Conclave to elect a new pope will commence on May 7 as cardinals engage in getting-to-know-you sessions
- The controversial AI-generated image of President Trump in papal attire posted on social media stirred up controversy, especially during the mourning period for Pope Francis.
- The image portrayed Trump as a pope, complete with a white cassock and bishop's hat, which was met with criticism from Catholic leaders in New York and at the Vatican.
- Cardinals were in the midst of daily Masses in honor of the late Pope Francis, and the election of his successor was scheduled for May 7.
- Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi strongly criticized the image, stating it showed disrespect not only to religious believers but also to institutions.
- Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, tweeted his support for Trump's potential papal candidacy with a hint of humor.
- The Immigration policies of President Trump have been at odds with the Catholic Church and Pope Francis in the past, particularly regarding mass deportations.
- Trump's nominee for ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, speculates on the events leading up to the conclave, including the refuted story suggesting that Cardinal Pietro Parolin had a health issue.
- Beyond the jesting about the papal vacancy, Trump has publicly endorsed Cardinal Timothy Dolan for the position, though this could impact Dolan's chances in the secretive conclave process. Additionally, Trump met with President Zelensky amidst the ongoing controversy.
