Donald Trump Posts AI Image of Himself as Pope Amid Papal Succession Talks

In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as the Pope on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The image, showing Trump in traditional papal robes and a mitre, was also reposted by the White House’s official X account, drawing widespread attention and sparking debate.

The timing coincides with the Vatican’s preparations to elect a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Just days earlier, Trump had joked to reporters, “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice,” when asked about the papal succession. Although he did not name a preferred candidate, he praised a “very good” American cardinal from New York, thought to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan.

The post has elicited a broad spectrum of responses. While some found humor in the image, many criticized it as disrespectful to the Catholic Church and the solemnity of the papal election process. Comments ranged from accusations of mockery to labeling Trump’s act as “offensive” and “disrespectful” to Catholics worldwide.

Trump’s attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral last month was his first international engagement since returning to office, underscoring the significance of the papal transition.