The New York State Catholic Conference has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed in full papal regalia.
The Conference, which represents Catholic bishops across New York in matters of law and public policy, issued a stern statement condemning the post, which they described as deeply inappropriate and offensive.
The image, originally posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform and later reshared by the White House’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, features Trump clad in ornate papal garments, complete with a mitre and golden crucifix, holding one finger aloft in a seemingly symbolic gesture.
In a post shared Saturday on X, the Catholic bishops stated: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are preparing to elect his successor. Do not mock us.”
The post followed a comment Trump made to reporters, saying, apparently in jest, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he would support in the upcoming papal election.
The AI-generated image and Trump’s remarks have ignited widespread debate online, drawing reactions ranging from amusement to outrage, especially in light of the ongoing mourning within the Catholic Church after the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
Trump attended the late Pope’s funeral last week — his first international public appearance since returning to the political spotlight.
