Trump Sparks Backlash After Posting AI Image of Himself as Pope Following Pope Francis’ Funeral

Just a week after the funeral of Pope Francis, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy online by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope.

The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows him wearing traditional papal attire — including a white miter and a large crucifix hanging from his neck. The post quickly sparked outrage, with many calling it tone-deaf and deeply disrespectful, especially given the timing.

Trump, who is not Catholic, previously joked with reporters about the papacy, saying, “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.” Speaking casually from the White House lawn, he said he had no preference for who should succeed Pope Francis but mentioned a “very good” cardinal based in New York.

The post comes just days after Pope Francis was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The 88-year-old spiritual leader died on Easter Monday after a life devoted to the Church and to serving God. In his final moments, he blessed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Trump’s AI image was not well received. Critics on social media condemned the post as offensive and sacrilegious.

“Trump is literally mocking the Christian world with this image — and on a day when Catholics are still mourning,” one user wrote.

Another added, “Is anyone really surprised? This is just another classless move.”

A third, identifying as a Catholic, posted, “As someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the global Catholic community. The papacy is a sacred institution — this is mockery, plain and simple.”

Others pleaded with Trump to delete the post, calling it “completely inappropriate” during a time of mourning for millions of Catholics around the world.

This isn’t the first time Trump has drawn criticism in the wake of Pope Francis’ death. He was also accused of violating the traditional dress code at the Pope’s funeral by wearing a blue suit and tie — attire many felt was out of place at such a solemn occasion.

Meanwhile, preparations continue at the Vatican as the conclave of cardinals convenes to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. A chimney has been installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel — a traditional signal system used to announce when a new Pope has been chosen.