THE New York State Catholic Conference has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for sharing what appears to be an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope.
In a statement posted on X Saturday, May 3, 2025 the organisation, which represents the state’s Catholic Bishops in advocating for laws that uphold social justice and the sanctity of life, said there was nothing amusing or intelligent about the image.
The Conference emphasised the timing of the post, noting that it came shortly after the burial of Pope Francis and as the College of Cardinals prepares to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new pontiff. They urged the president not to mock the Church during such a sacred moment.
The post read :” There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025 Donald Trump stirred controversy after posting a digitally altered image of himself in full papal attire on his Truth Social platform.
The image, which was later reposted by the White House’s official X account, depicted Trump wearing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre, with one finger pointed skyward.
The post followed a lighthearted remark Trump made to reporters days earlier, in which he said, “I’d like to be Pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he supported as the next leader of the Catholic Church.
His comment and the image surfaced just ahead of the conclave to elect a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Although Trump did not name any specific candidate, he hinted at his support for “a very good” cardinal in New York widely interpreted as a reference to Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a prominent theological conservative known for his firm anti-abortion views.
Trump also made headlines last week by attending Pope Francis’ funeral, his first international appearance since resuming office.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org