Trump’s AI-generated papal portrait sparks controversy and debate

President Donald Trump has once again found himself at the center of a social media drama after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope.

The image, first appearing on Truth Social, depicts Trump in full papal regalia, complete with a white cassock, mitre, and large crucifix. It later appeared on official White House accounts.

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

As you’d imagine, the post has drawn a mix of criticism – mostly amusement, disrespect, and confusion. One X commenter said, “Please take this down. Many Catholics, myself included, find this as a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”

Others can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. But love it or hate it, you’ve got to admit – the image has got people talking.

Pope Francis passed away recently, and Trump already triggered backlash by stating, “I’d like to be Pope” before suggesting that a “very good” cardinal from New York could be a potential candidate.

Trump’s divisive nature needs little introduction. Where he goes, unpredictability follows, having already drawn criticism for messing with his phone and chewing gum at the Pope’s funeral.

The White House has not yet commented on the intent behind the AI-generated image.

Trump was raised Presbyterian but now identifies as a non-denominational Christian, and has a complex relationship with the Christian faith community given some of his behaviors, convictions, and allegations. 

While he’s enjoyed strong support from conservative evangelical voters, his grasp of Christian doctrine has often been called into question.

Of course, this isn’t the first time AI has dipped into the world of religion. Last year in Germany, an AI-powered avatar delivered a sermon to a packed house at St. Paul’s church. A computer-generated preacher took to the pulpit and waxed poetic about everything from overcoming fear to trusting in Jesus, all while sporting a rather unsettling, unchanging expression.

Back in 2023, an AI-generated image of Pope Francis himself wearing a trendy Balenciaga puffer jacket made the rounds on social media. AI deep fakes have since become far more realistic.

For now, however, the focus remains on the upcoming papal conclave and the future direction of the Catholic Church in the post-Francis era. 

As the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics await white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, Trump’s digital dalliance is not likely to improve his image with many. 

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