The New York State Catholic Conference has slammed the United States President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope.
The association, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops in their engagement with the government on legal and social justice issues, was outraged by the post.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Catholic Conference said, “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.”
The contentious image, which first emerged on Trump’s Truth Social platform and was then published by the White House’s official X account, depicts him in extravagant papal garb — flowing white robes, a golden cross, and a mitre — with one finger outstretched to the sky.
The digitally edited snapshot provoked amusement, disbelief, and intense debate on social media sites.
The post came only days after Trump told reporters, presumably in jest, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked whom he would support as the next pontiff.
His remark came shortly before the start of the papal conclave held to determine a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21st.
Trump attended Pope Francis‘ burial this week, his first international appearance since returning to public service.
