JD Vance Breaks Silence on Trump’s AI Pope Image
US Vice President JD Vance has responded to the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s AI-generated image depicting himself as the Pope. Vance, a Catholic, stated that he is “fine with people telling jokes” when questioned about the image.
The image, which has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, shows Trump seated in an ornate chair wearing white papal vestments and a headdress. His right forefinger is raised in a gesture reminiscent of papal authority.
The controversy drew reactions from various quarters, including former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the Catholic bishops of New York state. Renzi criticized Trump, saying, “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown.”
The Catholic bishops of New York state also expressed their disapproval, stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. 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.”
Vance’s response came after conservative commentator Bill Kristol questioned him on social media about the image, asking if he was “fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father?” Vance’s reply suggested that he was more concerned about the consequences of political actions, referencing the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, which Kristol had supported.
The AI-generated image was posted by Trump on his Truth Social account, ahead of a papal conclave to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis. Prior to sharing the image, Trump had joked about potentially becoming pope himself, though he later mentioned a “very good” candidate in New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
The conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7, will see cardinals gather to elect a new Pope following Francis’ death on April 21. While there has never been a Pope from the United States, American cardinals are among the potential candidates.
