Trump Shares AI-Generated Image as Pope
Donald Trump, after joking about becoming the Pope, posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal robes on Truth Social, sparking laughter, outrage, and confusion online. This occurred as the Catholic Church prepared for a conclave on May 7 to elect a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis.
Speaking to reporters, Trump quipped, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” before mentioning Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as another contender. He then took the joke further by posting the AI image on Truth Social, showing himself in white vestments, a mitre, and an ornate cross.
The post quickly went viral, with reactions ranging from amusement to outrage. Trump had attended Pope Francis’s funeral the previous week, marking his first foreign trip since returning to power. Notably, Pope Francis had been a vocal critic of Trump, once stating that Trump’s border wall plan showed he was “not a Christian.”
As the Catholic Church approaches the conclave, several cardinals are considered potential successors to Pope Francis. These include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Vatican Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic experience.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), known for his pastoral sensitivity and communication skills.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Congo), a vocal advocate for social justice and environmental issues.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy), recognized for his work in peace negotiations.
- Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary), a respected canon law scholar and conservative voice within the Church.
The College of Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The election process, known as a conclave, is a significant event in the Catholic Church, determining the future direction of the institution.
