Trump accused of mocking Catholics with AI image of himself as Pope, Vance defends him
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump recently posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on social media. This sparked a wave of criticism from Catholics, informs ВВС.
Trump shared the AI-generated image on the social media platform Truth Social, where he appeared as the Pope. The image was also posted on the official White House account on X.
Photo: Trump posted a photo dressed as the Pope (screenshot from truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump)
The organization representing New York's bishops stated that it saw "nothing funny" about the image shared by Trump's and the White House's official social media accounts.
"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," read the New York State Catholic Conference post.
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, sharply criticized Trump for his post.
"This is deeply offensive to Catholics, especially during this sacred time that we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of our new Pope. He owes an apology," Paprocki stated.
Left-leaning Italian former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said that Trump's image "offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around."
Vance responds to critics
US Vice President JD Vance defended President Trump. Vance posted a response on X after Bill Kristol, editor of The Bulwark, asked whether "Vance is fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father."
"As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen," he wrote.
At the end of April, journalists asked US President Donald Trump who he sees as the next Pope. He responded that he would like to become the pontiff himself.
Pope Francis passed away on April 2, and his funeral took place on April 26. The pontiff was buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Around 400,000 people attended the farewell ceremony, including over 50 world leaders, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
The Catholic Church will begin the conclave to elect a new Pope next week.
