The New York State Catholic Conference has condemned United States President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image of himself on papal regalia.
The organisation, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops in engaging government on matters of law and social justice, expressed outrage over the post.
In a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the bishops said, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President.
“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”
The image featuring Trump in a white cassock and pointed miter, or bishop’s hat, was the topic of several questions during the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing Saturday.
When asked to respond to the criticism, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that picture which was posted via Trump’s Truth Social platform was later reposted by the White House on its official X account.
The picture featured Trump in elaborate papal attire, flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre, with one finger raised toward the sky.
The post came just days after Trump joked to reporters that, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked whom he would support as the next pontiff.
Whilst speaking to reporters last Tuesday, Trump joked that he himself would be his “number one choice”, before adding, “I must say we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good.”
His remark came shortly before the start of the papal conclave convened to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.