The Catholic Bishops of New York State have publicly condemned President Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as the pope.
The image was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and later shared by the White House on its official X account.
The timing of the post, just days after Pope Francis’s funeral and ahead of the upcoming papal conclave, has been criticised as disrespectful.
In a statement on X, the New York State Catholic Conference expressed its disapproval: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, also commented on the image, describing it as “not good” and expressing hope that Trump had no involvement in its creation.
Other Catholic leaders have voiced their concerns. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, stated that by sharing the image, Trump “mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy,” and called for an apology.
Despite the backlash, Vice President JD Vance defended the post, stating on social media that he is “fine with people telling jokes.”
The controversy arises as the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope, following Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88.
The conclave is set to begin on May 7 at the Vatican
