How has the Trump papal controversy affected discussions about the upcoming papal conclave? Read the full article
In a world already buzzing with news, one image has taken the internet by storm.
Posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, it shows him dressed in papal robes, complete with a gold crucifix and a mitre hat.
This surprising post came just days after the death of Pope Francis, raising eyebrows and igniting conversations worldwide.
Why did Trump share this AI-generated image, and what does it mean for the Catholic Church as it prepares to choose a new pope?
Trump Papal Controversy: A Bold Move After a Sensitive Time
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, after suffering a stroke and heart failure. His funeral, attended by global leaders including Trump, was a moment of mourning for millions.
But shortly after, Trump made headlines by joking to reporters that he’d like to be the next pope. He followed this with the AI image, posted without a caption, showing him in full papal attire.
Some found it funny, with comments like “Make Vatican Great Again” popping up online. Others, however, called it disrespectful, especially so soon after the Pope’s death.
One social media user wrote, “This is offensive to Catholics and the Church.” The timing and tone have split opinions, with some praising Trump’s humor and others condemning it as insensitive.
The controversy didn’t stop with Trump’s post. Senator Lindsey Graham joined in, posting on X that Trump as pope would be a “dark horse candidate” and urging Catholics to “keep an open mind.”
He even suggested a “Pope-U.S. President combination” could have benefits. Other political figures, like Marco Rubio, made light-hearted comments about the papacy, while Trump himself mentioned Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a possible contender.
On social media, reactions ranged from amusement to outrage. Some users created memes, while others accused Trump of mocking the sacred process of choosing a pope.
The debate has highlighted the mix of politics, religion, and technology in today’s world, especially with AI images blurring the line between reality and satire.
