An image generated by the AI of President Donald Trump in disguise while the Pope arouses criticism of certain Catholics after being published on social networks a few days before the Papal conclave to select the next pontiff begins in Rome.
The image, which was shared on Trump’s social media and the Official White House account on Friday evening, shows an image generated by the president of the president wearing papal clothes and sitting on a throne.
The White House displayed an image generated by Trump AI wearing papal clothes and sitting on a throne, facing the reaction of members of the Catholic community.
ABC News
Image journalists interviewed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, New York Archbishop, after finishing a service in a church in Rome. In his response, Dolan used Italian words, “Brutta Figura”, which means that the position was embarrassing.
“I hope he had nothing to do with that,” said Dolan. “It was not good. As the Italians say, it was Brutta Figura (embarrassing).”
The Catholic Conference of New York State has also expressed indignation in the image, saying: “There is nothing intelligent or funny in this image, Mr. President.”
The American cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke with journalists after a mass service in Rome on May 4, 2025.
@thegnewsroom via x
“We have just built our beloved pope François and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor from Saint-Pierre. Do not make fun of us”, the conference said on X Saturday.
Father James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC, said on Sunday “this week” on Sunday, people were surprised by him and thought it was an incredibly bad taste, but here in Rome, more people are concerned about the next Pope than the current president. “”
Vice-president JD Vance, Catholic, denied that the position was offensive. When the conservative commentator Bill Kristol wrote on X: “Hey, @jdvance, do you agree with this lack of respect and mockery of the Holy Father?” the vice-president replied“” As a rule, I agree with people who tell jokes and do not agree with people who start stupid wars who kill thousands of my compatriots. “”
The coffin of Pope Francis is transported in front of dignitaries, including President Donald Trump, center, during his funeral on Place Saint-Pierre at the Vatican, Saturday April 26, 2025.
Cecilia Fabiano / AP
When he was asked to respond to the criticisms, the press secretary of the White House, Karoline Leavitt, said that President Trump “turned out to be in Italy to pay tribute to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he was a solid champion for Catholics and religious freedom,” said The Associated Press.
The process aimed at electing the next pope will start on Wednesday May 7, according to the Vatican.
Camilla Alcini from ABC News contributed to this report.
