The New York State Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope.
In a post on X.com on Saturday,3 May, 2025, the NYS Catholic Conference wrote: “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.”
Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.
The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.
The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.
His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.
Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.
