Overview

• The AI-generated image, first posted on Truth Social and later shared by the White House, depicts Trump in full papal regalia, including a mitre and a gold crucifix.
• The image was released during the Vatican's official mourning period for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, and just days before the May 7 conclave to elect his successor.
• Catholic leaders in the U.S. and Italy condemned the image as disrespectful, with the New York State Catholic Conference stating, 'Do not mock us.'
• Italian officials and media criticized the act as offensive, with former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi calling it 'an insult to believers and institutions.'
• The White House defended the post, describing Trump as a 'staunch champion for Catholics,' while social media reactions ranged from amusement to outrage.