Just one week after Pope Francis’s funeral, US President Donald Trump shared an artificial intelligence image of himself as pope.
The Republican leader, who is not Catholic, shared the picture on Truth Social. It depicts him with a big crucifix hanging from his neck and a white papal hat, commonly known as a mitre.
Trump had previously joked with reporters how he wouldn’t be against succeeding the late Catholic leader, adding:
“I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
Speaking on the White House lawn, he joked that there was a “very good” cardinal in New York but that he had no choice for the next pope.
The conclave is now convening to choose a new head of the Catholic Church, just one week after Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 3, 2025
After devoted his ‘entire life’ to serving God and the Church, the 88-year-old died on Easter Monday. In St. Peter’s Square, he spent his last hours with the faithful before coming out to bless thousands of people.
Online users are furious with Trump’s remark, calling it “a great disrespect” and calling on the US president to take it down right once.
“Trump is literally mocking the Christian world with this image he shared,” one said: “And on a day when Catholics are mourning the death of their spiritual leader, Pope Francis.”
“Is anyone else surprised that Trump would be so brazenly sacrilegious? Me either. Classless,” a second said.
“Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide,” a third added.
“The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”
“Please take this down,” one follower pleaded: “May Catholics myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”
“Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?”
But it’s not the only apparent gaffe the US president has made since the Pontiff’s passing. He was also accused of wearing a blue suit and tie to Pope Francis’ funeral, which was against the dress code.
Men were required to wear a dark suit, a long black tie, and a white shirt as part of the tight dress code for the Vatican burial. Black was also required for jackets, umbrellas, long socks, and shoes.
The president wore a mid-blue outfit with a pin that displayed the American flag and a glittering blue tie. He was seated in the front row alongside hundreds of international leaders and monarchs.
Many of the gathered mourners, including Sir Keir Starmer, have adopted the custom of wearing smart, dark clothing as a symbol of respect.
Melania was pictured wearing a conservative black coat, gloves, and a lace veil while sitting next to her husband on her 55th birthday.
While Joe Biden wore a blue tie, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky did not. With most international leaders wearing all black, all three were accused of displaying ‘disrespect’.