In early May 2025, President Donald Trump ignited controversy by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal regalia on his Truth Social account. The image, depicting Trump in white and gold robes with a papal mitre, was posted shortly after the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The timing and nature of the post drew significant backlash from Catholic leaders and the public, who viewed it as disrespectful during a period of mourning.People.com+7Latest news & breaking headlines+7The Daily Beast+7AP News+3Reuters+3New York Magazine+3
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York criticized the image, calling it a “brutta figura,” an Italian term meaning an embarrassing misstep. Similarly, Bishop Thomas Paprocki condemned the act, urging Trump to apologize for what he described as a mockery of the Catholic Church . The New York State Catholic Conference also expressed disapproval, labeling the image as inappropriate and untimely.AP News+4Reuters+4New York Magazine+4New York MagazineLatest news & breaking headlines+1AP News+1
In response to the criticism, Trump claimed he had no involvement in creating the image, suggesting it was generated by others online. He mentioned that First Lady Melania Trump, a Catholic, found the image “cute,” and he dismissed the backlash as media-driven, emphasizing the need to “have a little fun” .The Daily Beast+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1Latest news & breaking headlines+2New York Post+2The Daily Beast+2
The incident highlights the growing concerns over the use of AI-generated images in political discourse. Experts warn that such images can blur the lines between reality and fiction, potentially leading to misinformation and public confusion. The ease with which realistic fake images can be produced and disseminated poses challenges for media literacy and the ethical use of technology .AP News+15inkl+15Business Insider+15RTÉ
As the Vatican prepares for the upcoming conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor, the controversy surrounding Trump’s post underscores the delicate intersection of politics, religion, and emerging technologies. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities public figures bear in their communications, especially during sensitive times.The Daily Beast+2Reuters+2
