President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated image of himself in papal regalia – just 11 days after Pope Francis’ death.
The image, posted on Truth Social, shows President Trump dressed in white, wearing a papal hat, known as a mitre, with a large crucifix around his neck.
It comes after the president joked that he’d like to be the pontiff when asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis. He said to reporters on the White House lawn: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
Trump went on to say that he did not have a preference but said there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good”.
The conclave to select a new pontiff is now underway following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure.
The post has been met with confusion and criticism, with many describing it as disrespectful.
From Donald Trump Truth Social 05/02/25 10:29 PM pic.twitter.com/6BmCkSY1Q8
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 3, 2025