Donald Trump recently shared an AI-generated image of himself adorned in papal attire on his Truth Social account, just 11 days after Pope Francis’s passing.
Posted early Saturday morning, the image features the US president wearing a prominent gold cross around his neck.
Subsequently, it was shared on the White House X and Instagram pages without any comments or explanations. Despite facing strong backlash, it garnered over 100,000 likes.
This incident occurred shortly after the world leader humorously expressed a desire to become the Pope.
When asked by reporters on the White House lawn who he thought should succeed Francis, he jokingly stated: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”
He mentioned not having a specific preference but acknowledged a certain cardinal in New York who was “very good”.
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‘I’d like to be pope’
Trump faced accusations of ridiculing Pope Francis’s death. By noon UK time, the Instagram post had already amassed over 58,000 likes.
However, user reactions were largely negative, with one stating that the image “isn’t funny. It’s not satire. And it’s not harmless”.
Another user simply labeled it “disgusting,” with additional comments such as “disturbing,” “disrespectful,” and “offensive.” On X, where the image was liked over 78,000 times, a user noted that Trump was “making a mockery of the pious,” while another remarked it was “not a wise decision.”
The conclave to select a new pontiff is scheduled to begin on May 7, following Francis’s death, who led the Roman Catholic Church until his passing.
Pope Francis, who served from 2013, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart trouble.
Recently, Trump drew criticism for wearing an unconventional blue suit to Francis’s Vatican funeral and chewing gum during the ceremony.
Nevertheless, his interaction with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St Peter’s Basilica before the mass began was described by clergy as “Pope Francis’s miracle.”
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There has been ongoing speculation regarding Mr. Trump’s personal religious beliefs.
Initially raised as a Presbyterian, he publicly identified with this denomination for most of his adult life. However, in October 2020, he renounced this affiliation, declaring himself a non-denominational Christian.
Many have questioned his faith’s authenticity, yet he has successfully appealed to conservative Christians, particularly evangelicals, who have been instrumental in his electoral victories.
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Earlier this year, Mr. Trump shared a bizarre AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform depicting his vision for Gaza.
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Trump shares AI video of Gaza vision featuring golden statues, bearded belly dancers and Netanyahu on a sunbed
The video depicted a transformed Gaza as a Middle Eastern paradise, complete with exotic beaches, luxurious skyscrapers, yachts, and festive gatherings, featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Elon Musk.