Just days after the Catholic world bid farewell to Pope Francis, former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred up a digital storm—and not for the first time.
This time, it’s over an artificial intelligence-generated image he shared of himself dressed as the Pope, complete with the traditional white mitre and a large crucifix around his neck.
The AI Post That Shocked the Faithful
The controversial post appeared on Trump’s Truth Social platform and quickly caught fire online.
Given that it’s only been a week since Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican, many found the timing—let alone the content—deeply inappropriate.
The image appeared to be a bold, if not mocking, gesture toward the papacy at a time when millions around the world are grieving.
“I’d Like to Be Pope”—Trump’s Past Comments Resurface
It wasn’t entirely out of nowhere, though. Trump had previously joked with reporters that he wouldn’t mind stepping into the Pope’s shoes. “I’d like to be Pope.
That would be my number one choice,” he quipped while chatting on the White House lawn.
He added that he had no particular favorite for the next Pope but did mention there was a “very good” cardinal in New York—likely another one of his signature off-the-cuff remarks.
Social Media Backlash: “Disrespectful” and “Sacrilegious”
Reactions online were swift and strong. Many Catholics and other users blasted the post as “deeply disrespectful” and “mocking the Christian world.”
One user wrote, “Trump is literally mocking the Christian world with this image he shared—and on a day when Catholics are mourning the death of their spiritual leader.”
Another added, “The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”
Some users didn’t hold back. “Classless,” “sacrilegious,” and “utterly disrespectful” were just a few of the words thrown around.
One follower simply pleaded, “Please take this down.”
Funeral Faux Pas: Trump’s Dress Code Slip Raises Eyebrows
But the AI image wasn’t the only thing causing outrage.
Trump also came under fire for his choice of attire at Pope Francis’ funeral.
While the Vatican enforced a strict dress code—black suits, long black ties, and white shirts for men—Trump opted for a mid-blue suit paired with a shiny blue tie and his trademark American flag pin.
It stood out starkly among a sea of dark outfits worn by global dignitaries and royalty.
Melania Trump, however, adhered more closely to the traditional look, wearing a modest black coat with gloves and a lace veil on her 55th birthday.
Other notable figures like UK’s Sir Keir Starmer were dressed in respectful black.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went tieless, and U.S. President Joe Biden, like Trump, wore a blue tie—drawing similar criticism for breaking with the somber dress protocol.
A Divisive Moment in a Time of Mourning
At a time when Catholics around the world are remembering a spiritual leader who devoted his life to service, Trump’s digital stunt and fashion faux pas have only deepened divisions.
While some might brush it off as another attention-seeking move from the former president, for many in the Catholic community, the combination of timing, tone, and lack of decorum cut deep.
