Trump's AI-Generated Pope Image Sparks Controversy and Laughter
Former President Donald Trump recently posted an AI-generated image of himself as the pope on Truth Social, igniting a mix of amusement and outrage online.
Following his visit to Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting himself as the pope. The image, posted shortly after his return to the U.S., quickly went viral, drawing a spectrum of reactions from internet users. Some viewed the post as humorous, while others found it disrespectful to religious sentiments.
Trump, who humorously claimed he would like to be pope, mentioned Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan as a serious contender during an earlier conversation about the Vatican’s upcoming conclave. This event, set to occur on May 7, 2025, will see cardinals, including Dolan, gather to elect the next pontiff following the traditional and reflective process of the Catholic Church.
The online community’s response to Trump’s post was polarized. Townhall columnist Dustan Grage defended the image, suggesting critics were mostly atheists whose opinions he deemed irrelevant. Conversely, Democratic activist Harry Sisson criticized the move, associating it with MAGA’s support for what he called a ‘man-child’.
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave, other potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and several others, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The selection process, deeply rooted in prayer and reflection, contrasts sharply with secular elections, highlighting the unique nature of choosing a new pope.