Donald Trump ignited controversy by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on his social media platform, Truth Social. This occurred in the midst of ongoing mourning for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The timing coincides with the imminent papal conclave, where cardinals will elect Francis’s successor. Trump’s post, which was later shared by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), provoked harsh criticism from various groups, including Catholic bishops in New York and Italian commentators, who deemed it distasteful and offensive during this solemn period.
Catholic tradition views the transition between popes as significant, emphasising respect for the papacy, revered even among non-Catholics in Italy. The image depicted Trump in traditional papal attire, which caught the attention of Vatican officials during their daily briefings. Italian media lambasted Trump’s gesture, labelling it as insulting, while former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi described it as shameful and indicative of Trump’s “clownish” demeanour.
In the United States, the New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mockery in light of the pope’s recent passing. They highlighted that such behaviour is inappropriate, especially ahead of a crucial conclave to determine the future of the papacy. A statement from various bishops read, “Do not mock us,” emphasising the hurt felt by the Catholic community.
The White House acknowledged Trump’s respect for the late pope, citing his attendance at Francis’s funeral, but critics continued to argue against the appropriateness of his actions. Supporters of Trump, including right-wing figures and allies, defended him, with some claiming that his comments reflect a humorous approach to the situation.
As discussions about the upcoming papal election intensified, Trump jokingly suggested he would like to be pope himself, while proposing Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York should be considered for the role. Dolan, one of the US cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave, may face challenges due to Trump’s endorsement.
The conclave process remains shrouded in secrecy, intended to shield the election from external influences, marking a return to traditional practices within the church. This moment is crucial as the new pope may bring significant changes to the Catholic Church’s direction, particularly following the progressive reforms of Francis, who emphasised social justice and immigration issues.
As the papal conclave approaches, the reactions to Trump’s image serve as a reflection of the complexities entwined within the relationship between religion and contemporary political discourse, spotlighting the often polarising nature of Trump’s public persona and actions within sensitive contexts.