Overview

• An AI-generated image of Donald Trump dressed as the pope, shared on his Truth Social and the White House's official X account, has sparked significant criticism from Catholic leaders and groups.
• Trump claims he had no role in creating or posting the image, stating he only saw it recently and suggesting it was made 'in fun.'
• Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the New York State Catholic Conference, condemned the image as offensive and inappropriate, especially during the mourning period for Pope Francis.
• Trump dismissed the backlash, asserting that 'the Catholics loved it' and accusing the media of exaggerating the controversy.
• The image remains live on both Trump's and the White House's social media accounts, as cardinals prepare to convene for the papal conclave on May 7.