US President Donald Trump has drawn significant criticism from Catholic groups and international figures after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope. The picture appeared on official White House social media accounts on Friday, 3 May, prompting widespread condemnation.
The controversy emerged just days after the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, and as the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect his successor. The timing of the image has been viewed by many as deeply insensitive.
The image in question shows Trump in a white cassock and a mitre, a ceremonial headpiece worn by bishops, with a large cross around his neck and his finger raised in a gesture reminiscent of traditional papal imagery.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 3, 2025
Among the most vocal critics was the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in the state.
In a post on X, the group wrote: “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.”
International condemnation followed. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi described the post as “an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” sharing his disapproval in Italian on X.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni declined to comment directly on the matter during a press briefing on Saturday, 4 May.
The Vatican is currently focused on the upcoming conclave, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 8 May.
Despite the backlash, the White House defended the post. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted there was no intention to mock the Catholic faith or its traditions.
“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,” said Leavitt.
However, the criticism has not been limited to secular or political voices. Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, a longtime acquaintance of Trump, expressed discomfort with the image. Speaking to reporters after Mass in Rome, Dolan said, “It wasn’t good. I hope he didn’t have anything to do with that.”
Dolan, switching to Italian, used the phrase brutta figura, referring to an embarrassing misstep or poor impression. When asked if the White House should remove the image and apologise, he responded, “who knows,” and declined further comment.
The incident follows a pattern of strained relations between American presidents and elements of the Catholic Church. Former President Joe Biden, a practising Catholic, was criticised in 2024 for making the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion rally in Florida.
Trump himself has a mixed history with religious institutions, despite often portraying himself as a defender of religious liberty. His recent remark to journalists—”I’d like to be Pope”—was seen by some as a precursor to the current controversy.
The Vatican has not issued any official rebuke, and it remains unclear whether the matter will be addressed formally by Church authorities.
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