Trump’s AI Pope Image Draws Global Condemnation

Former President Donald Trump ignited global controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself as the pope on Truth Social, which was later amplified by the White House on X, days after Pope Francis' funeral. The image, posted during the Catholic Church's mourning period and ahead of the papal conclave, drew condemnation from Catholic leaders, including the New York State Catholic Conference, and criticism from former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Some Trump supporters, such as Vice President JD Vance, downplayed the backlash, while critics argued it revealed political double standards in reactions to satire. The Vatican declined to comment, though the episode became a prominent topic at Vatican briefings and in international media. The incident reignited debate over the appropriateness of AI-generated political images and respect for religious symbols. This marks another instance of Trump's team using controversial AI imagery, fueling ongoing tensions with religious communities.