Trump AI pope image draws sharp criticism from U.S. Cardinal and Catholic bishops

Cardinal Timothy Dolan says Trump’s AI-generated papal image “wasn’t good” as Catholic leaders express outrage.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a cap reading "Gulf of America" as he speaks to the media before boarding Marine One to depart for a rally in Michigan marking his first 100 days in office, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

President Donald Trump has come under fire from Catholic leaders after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope, a move many have condemned as disrespectful and ill-timed. The controversial Trump AI pope image was shared on his Truth Social platform just days after the funeral of Pope Francis, and later reposted by the White House’s official X account, prompting public rebuke from New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the Catholic bishops of New York State.

Cardinal Dolan calls Trump’s AI post “not good”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York and one of America’s most prominent Catholic figures, responded to the incident while in Rome, where he is attending the conclave to elect the next pope. Speaking to reporters on Sunday before celebrating Mass at a local church, Dolan addressed Trump’s AI-generated image portraying him in full papal attire, sitting sternly in an ornate chair with a raised forefinger.

“It wasn’t good,” Dolan said, adding cautiously, “I hope he didn’t have anything to do with that.” When asked if he personally found the post offensive, Dolan repeated his earlier response in English before switching to Italian, calling it a “brutta figura”—a phrase that connotes embarrassment or poor form.

The cardinal declined to go further when pressed about whether an apology should be issued, responding only with “Who knows?” in Italian after the Mass.

Trump’s AI-generated pope image shocks Catholic leaders

The Trump AI pope image was posted late Friday, less than a week after the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Trump, who is not a Catholic and has not been known for regular church attendance, had recently attended the late pontiff’s funeral in Rome. The AI-generated image—widely circulated online—sparked immediate backlash.

Catholic leaders, particularly in New York, were quick to condemn the image. The New York State Catholic bishops, speaking collectively, issued a statement on X that criticized the post for its timing and perceived mockery of the Church.

“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,” the bishops wrote. “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 image also made the front pages of major Italian newspapers on Sunday, most of which denounced the post as offensive and ill-judged. Some far-right publications, however, suggested the post should be interpreted as a joke.

Social media reactions split between offense and humor

Public reaction to the Trump AI pope image has been divided, particularly among international visitors to Vatican City. Some saw the image as distasteful and mocking at a time when the Catholic Church is in mourning and focused on a deeply spiritual process. Others dismissed the criticism, framing the post as Trump’s typical brand of provocative humor.

Marcella Peixoto, a pilgrim from Brazil visiting St. Peter’s Square, appeared bewildered when shown the image. “Did he really post it? He posted that? It’s kind of ridiculous, but yeah, okay,” she said, shrugging.

In contrast, John Smith, an American tourist from California, defended Trump’s post. “I think he’s a funny guy,” Smith said. “I think he’s trying to be funny, and comedy is being lost in the world. Everyone needs to lighten up and smile like you’re smiling right now.”

Trump jokes about becoming pope

Just days before posting the controversial image, Trump made light of the upcoming conclave, joking with reporters that he wouldn’t mind being the next pope. He then suggested Cardinal Dolan might be a strong contender.

“I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said, apparently referring to Dolan.

Cardinal Dolan, a known conservative within the Church and a figure who delivered one of the invocations at Trump’s 2017 inauguration, has not indicated any interest in the papacy. Nevertheless, Trump’s comments added fuel to an already growing sense that he is using Church affairs for political or comedic effect.

The image and its implications for AI, politics, and religion

While the focus remains on the religious offense caused by the Trump AI pope image, the controversy also touches on broader concerns about artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the ethical boundaries of digital image manipulation. The AI-generated photo is part of a growing trend of political figures using altered or fabricated visuals to entertain, provoke, or influence public opinion.

Critics argue that such posts, even when intended as humor, can erode respect for deeply held institutions and blur the line between satire and sacrilege. When coming from a figure like Trump—who remains a dominant presence in American politics and a leading candidate for the 2024 presidential election—the consequences of such digital provocations are amplified.

The Church remains focused on the conclave

As criticism of the Trump AI pope image continues to swirl, the Catholic Church is proceeding with its process to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. The conclave, composed of cardinals under the age of 80, begins Wednesday in Vatican City.

Cardinal Dolan is among the participants in the conclave and has indicated that he intends to remain focused on the spiritual responsibilities at hand rather than become entangled in political drama. When asked again after Mass about the Trump post, Dolan dismissed further discussion, making clear that he did not want to detract from the solemnity of the conclave.

Political fallout or temporary controversy?

Whether the Trump AI pope image becomes a lasting controversy or a fleeting headline remains to be seen. While the Catholic Church has expressed strong disapproval, Trump’s base may interpret the post as another instance of him flouting convention and pushing the boundaries of political discourse.

Still, the White House’s decision to repost the image on its official X account raises questions about institutional complicity and whether government communications should be more sensitive to religious sentiments.

For now, the Church’s attention remains on electing its next spiritual leader, even as social media and political circles continue to debate the fallout from yet another Trump-provoked controversy.