One week after the funeral of Pope Francis, former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope—complete with a mitre and a large crucifix—on his Truth Social platform. The post came shortly after Trump made a joking remark about succeeding the late pontiff, echoing previous tongue-in-cheek comments he’s made about becoming pope.
The post drew widespread criticism online, with many calling it deeply disrespectful, particularly given the timing. Catholics around the world were still mourning Pope Francis, and critics accused Trump of mocking the papacy and offending millions of believers. Some of his own supporters urged him to delete the image, labeling it as sacrilegious.
Adding to the backlash, Trump was also criticized for his attire at Pope Francis’s funeral. While most global leaders wore dark clothing as a mark of respect, Trump showed up in a blue suit and tie—an outfit many deemed inappropriate given the solemn occasion.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s appearance at the funeral included a noteworthy development: a brief yet significant exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their conversation signaled a surprising thaw in their strained relationship, especially as Trump appeared to adopt a tougher stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin in light of recent missile attacks on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, at the Vatican, cardinals convened in closed-door meetings to begin the conclave to elect a new pope. Following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, many within the Church are hoping his successor will continue his progressive path.