Trump’s AI-Generated Papal Image Goes Viral Amid Vatican Transition
Days after expressing a desire to become the pope, President Trump sparked controversy by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal attire. This image was initially posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, and then replicated by the White House’s official social media accounts on May 3, 2025.
The Context of the Image
The image features Trump in traditional papal white vestments seated in a luxurious chair, finger raised in a gesture reminiscent of the papacy. This comes as cardinals gather in Vatican City to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away recently.
Trump’s Comment on Papacy
During a news conference outside the White House, Trump, who identifies as a Protestant, humorously suggested, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice,” while expressing indifference about the eventual selection of a new leader for the Catholic Church. He mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York as a strong candidate, noting that the U.S. has never had a pope despite Francis being the first from the Americas.
Reactions to the Image
The AI-generated photo elicited mixed reactions across social media platforms. Cardinal Dolan himself remarked that the image “wasn’t good,” expressing hopes that Trump wasn’t directly involved in its creation. The Vatican, through spokesperson Matteo Bruni, refrained from commenting on the image during a press briefing about the upcoming papal election, which is set to begin on May 7, 2025.
Public and Media Responses
The New York State Catholic Conference criticized Trump’s post as a mockery of a serious moment for the Church. They asserted, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image… Do not mock us.” Conversely, some supporters, including a Trump supporter outside his golf club in Florida, defended the image as a joke, with one stating, “But I wouldn’t want to see them do anything sacrilegious with the pope.”
Looking Ahead
As the papal conclave approaches, the attention surrounding Trump’s provocative image will likely persist. With 133 cardinals responsible for selecting the next pope, the uncertainty about the frontrunner adds to the intrigue of this crucial moment for the Catholic Church.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the intersection of politics, religion, and social media in today’s landscape, highlighting how humorous attempts can sometimes lead to significant backlash.