Overview

• President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on Truth Social and the White House’s X account on May 3.
• Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Illinois called the image a mockery of God, the Catholic Church, and the papacy, demanding an apology.
• The New York State Catholic Conference also criticized the image, labeling it disrespectful and inappropriate during the mourning period for Pope Francis.
• The Vatican has not issued any official comment on the controversy as preparations for the May 7 papal conclave continue.
• Trump, who attended Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, has previously joked about wanting to become Pope, further inflaming reactions.