Overview

• Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself in papal attire on his Truth Social and White House X accounts, sparking widespread criticism from Catholic leaders and organizations.
• Illinois Bishop Thomas Paprocki and the New York State Catholic Conference condemned the image as disrespectful, with Paprocki demanding a public apology.
• Trump denied creating the image, called it a harmless joke, and claimed that Catholics 'loved it,' attributing the backlash to 'Fake News' media.
• The Vatican has not issued an official response, maintaining silence as the conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor begins on May 7.
• The controversy highlights tensions between digital political expression and religious sensitivities, as well as the political implications for Trump's relationship with Catholic voters, who represent 24% of Americans.