A digitally altered image of Donald Trump dressed as the pope has caused uproar online. The US president shared it on his Truth Social platform on Friday night.
The White House later reposted the image on its official X account, prompting a wave of criticism. Social media users branded the image “disrespectful”, “embarrassing”, and “inappropriate”, particularly given the timing. Others said they found the post humorous, though many accused the president of showing a lack of respect toward the Catholic Church.
The image was posted just a week after Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican and only days before the papal conclave to choose his successor. The gathering of 133 cardinal-electors in the Sistine Chapel will begin on 7 May. They will select the 267th pontiff and spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
“I’d like to be pope”
The viral post followed comments made by Trump earlier in the week when asked by a reporter about his views on the upcoming papal election.
“I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice,” Trump said, apparently in jest. He then added that New York had a “very good” candidate; this was widely interpreted as a reference to Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
His remarks further fuelled online debate, with some interpreting the comment as tongue-in-cheek. However, others saw it as tone-deaf and self-aggrandising in light of the solemn context.
Senator Graham backs Trump “for Pope”
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham added fuel to the fire by endorsing the idea. Speaking to reporters, he described Trump as “a dark horse candidate” for pope. Needless to say, the comment swiftly drew ridicule online.
As reactions continued to flood social media over the weekend, Catholic commentators, political analysts and members of the public questioned both the judgment and timing of the image’s release.
The Vatican has not issued a formal response.
Papal conclave begins 7 May
The conclave to elect the next pope will begin on Tuesday, with eligible cardinal-electors from around the world gathering behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel. The centuries-old process is expected to last several days.
