Trump shared the image on his social media channels. Credit: TruthSocial/DonaldTrump
Donald Trump sparked backlash by sharing an AI image of himself dressed as the Pope just 11 days after Pope Francis died.
The digitally altered post angered people across political and religious lines.
Earlier this week, Trump joked that he should be the next pope.
Pope Francis died on April 21 at 88.
His funeral on April 26 in Vatican City drew hundreds of thousands, including Trump and First Lady Melania.
They joined many world leaders to honor the late Catholic leader.
But any goodwill Trump earned vanished fast.
He posted an AI image of himself in papal robes, cream mitre, seated on a gold chair, finger raised in mock blessing.
Trump shared the AI image on Instagram and Truth Social without a caption.
The backlash came fast.
One Instagram user wrote, “This is a new low. I don’t expect respect from Trump, but wow.”
Another called it “extremely disrespectful,” adding, “Not funny. The American people deserve better. Trump isn’t even Catholic.”
A critic urged, “Please take this down. Many Catholics find it deeply disrespectful to our Church.”
Another said, “As someone outside the U.S., this mocks a sacred institution. It’s an insult to millions.”
Replies used words like “psycho,” “blasphemous,” “disgusting,” and “classless.”
Even some usual supporters spoke out: “I voted, but what is this?” and “I can’t defend this one.”
Still, not everyone was angry.
Some fans found it funny, calling Trump “the ultimate troll” and “funniest president ever.”
One supporter said, “This is why they hate you — and why we love you.”
The post didn’t come out of nowhere.
Days earlier, outside the White House, Trump had joked, “I’d like to be pope — that’d be my number one choice.”
Trump’s joke about becoming pope now sounds more like a goal than a gag.
Social media users jumped on it.
“A convicted pope,” one tweeted.
Another mocked, “Let me guess, ‘I’d be a better pope than any past pope.’”
A third joked, “If he becomes pope, maybe religion changes forever.”
One nailed the absurdity:
“Clearly Trump knows Catholicism. If he loses the vote, will he claim fraud?”
The backlash follows Trump’s controversial funeral appearance.
Critics slammed him for wearing a blue suit and chewing gum during the ceremony.
The Vatican conclave begins 7 May in the Sistine Chapel.
Over 100 cardinals will gather in secret to choose the next pope.
Anyone can joke about being pope, but real candidates must meet strict rules.
They must be male, unmarried, at least 35, and Catholic.
They also need training in theology, canon law, or the Bible.
But judging by Trump’s AI post, he’s already wearing the robes.
