Trump Faces Backlash from Catholic Community with AI Image of Himself as Pope
An AI-generated image of President Trump as Pope showed up on President Trump's social media account and the official White House account on Friday after he had joked a few days prior that he'd like to be the next Pope. When the image went viral, it sparked one of two reactions: amusement at what some might call gallows humor, or disgust from those who saw it as being in poor taste, and possibly the thing of nightmares. In true Trump fashion, there was no in-between.
Trump's Interest in Papacy
"I'd like to be pope," Trump told USA Today reporters and others outside the White House last week. "That would be my number one choice."
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham jokingly chimed in on his X account, which was picked up by USA Today.
"Excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility! The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!
I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 29, 2025
The first Pope-U.S. President combination has… pic.twitter.com/MM9vE5Uvzb
The Vatican Was Not Amused
On the other side of the spectrum, when Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, was asked by ABC News and other reporters what he thought about the matter, he said, "I hope he didn't have anything to do with it. It wasn't good. As Italians say, it was brutta figura (embarrassing)."
The New York State Catholic Conference was rather direct in expressing their disgust via their X account, which was picked up by ABC News.
"There is nothing clever or funny about this, Mr. President," they said, adding, "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!"
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. https://t.co/ortxbkDlT5
— NYS Catholic Conference (@NYSCatholicConf) May 3, 2025
The Bulwark's editor-at-large, Bill Kristol, cornered Vice President JD Vance via an X post picked up by Politico on Saturday and asked if he was "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," Vance replied.
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. https://t.co/2WQPsofVIH
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 3, 2025
Leavitt Reminds of Religious Liberty Efforts
In an effort to calm all the turmoil, Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that "President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for the Catholics and religious liberty."
Within his first 100 days, Trump established the Religious Liberty Commission and the White House Faith Office. He also pardoned 23 pro-life activists who had been jailed under the Biden administration, according to the Catholic Herald.
Photo Credit: ©X/The White House/Getty Images/NurPhoto/Contributor
Originally published May 05, 2025.
