An AI-generated image of U.S. President Donald Trump dressed as the pope has taken social media by storm, just days before Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the first American pope in a historic Vatican conclave.
The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, showed the president in full papal regalia, including the traditional white cassock and papal cross.
Trump shared the altered image along with a comment to reporters, saying, “I’d like to be pope; that would be my number one choice.”
This playful remark, made just before the conclave began, sparked a whirlwind of laughter, confusion, and controversy online.
The image was later shared by the official White House X account, further amplifying the buzz.
However, it wasn’t long before the New York State Catholic Conference condemned the post, expressing disapproval of what they described as a disrespectful gesture just days after the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21.
As the world processed Trump’s joke, the Vatican’s announcement on Thursday of Cardinal Prevost’s election as new Pope sparked widespread reactions online, with some suggesting that the AI-generated image wasn’t just a casual joke but an indirect push for the next pope to be American.
Netizens Reactions…
Ekle Samuel reacted; “Pure politics… Donald Trump passed his message before this election. He posted his picture with Pope’s uniform telling the whole world that the next Pope is coming from America.”
Alexander Onung said: “Political Christianity, how did trump knew.”
Nneka Ursula reacted: “We know the outcome from the moment Trump shows of his support via Al Post.”
Joshua Efetobor said: “This New Pope seems and looks spiritually minded person.
May God guide him.”
John Mark said: “It isn’t just an ordinary joke, it is well projected signals to the cardinals So it’s called Trump’s Effects.”
Nazah Kanu wrote: “Late Pope from the American continent, new Pope from the American continent.”
“Are Asians and Africans not also part of the church?
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