Some Catholics have criticized US President Donald Trump for sharing an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photo of himself as pope.
The image was posted on official White House social media pages as Catholics ready to elect the next pope and grieve the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
Trump’s Mock Pop Image
Trump was charged by the NYS Catholic Conference of making fun of the religion. He made a joke to the media a few days prior, saying, "I'd like to be Pope." It has been said that Trump is not the first president to offend Catholics. A year ago, Catholic former US President Joe Biden prompted anger by making the sign of the cross during a pro-abortion access event in Florida.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni refused to comment on Trump's post. Starting on Wednesday, the Vatican is getting ready to hold an audience to select Francis's successor.
Trump shared the photo on Friday night, showing him in a bishop's customary white cassock and pointed mitre. He has a serious expression on his face, a big cross around his neck, and his finger raised.
Catholic Bishops React
The image was criticised on X by the New York State Catholic Conference, which is the voice of the city's bishops. They said:
“Mr. President, this image is neither funny nor creative.”
"We recently placed to rest Pope Francis, and the cardinals will soon meet in a solemn conclave to choose a new St. Peter successor. Don't make fun of us.”
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who leans left, also attacked Trump's post. On X, Renzi wrote in Italian that this picture offends religious people, attacks establishments, and demonstrates how much the head of the right-wing movement likes to act silly. However, the White House denied that the Republican president made fun of the pope.
Trump Defends Action
According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump has been a strong supporter of Catholics and religious freedom. He travelled to Italy to honour Pope Francis and attend his funeral. The criticism increased on Sunday as Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, who has been close to Trump for many years, told the media that he didn't like the picture.
After going to a Mass in Rome, he declared, "It wasn't good. I hope that had nothing to do with him." He referred to it as a "brutta figura" in Italian, which means a negative or humiliating impression.
When asked if the White House had to remove the picture and issue an apology, he replied in Italian, "Who knows?" and refused to explain.