WASHINGTON – President Trump recently came to the defense of an AI-generated image that humorously depicted him dressed as the Pope. On Monday, he described the creation as “a joke,” emphasizing the need for a little fun.
On Friday, he shared the photos showcasing him in traditional papal attire, complete with a miter and white cassock.
“They can’t take a joke,” Trump remarked during a press conference in the Oval Office, attributing the backlash he received to “fake news media” rather than the Catholic community. “The Catholics loved it,” he insisted.
The image, posted on the official White House X account, drew significant criticism from members of the Catholic community, with one priest expressing that it was disrespectful.
Bishop Robert Baron commented to Ewtn, saying, “I think it was a poor attempt at humor, clearly upsetting many Catholics. I hope that wasn’t his intention.” Cardinal Dolan, an archbishop from New York and a friend of Trump, also weighed in, stating, “That wasn’t good.”
Trump had attended Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26. The Pope’s Conclave is set to begin Wednesday, where cardinals will gather to elect the 88-year-old’s successor.
The president asserted he had nothing to do with the post, claiming, “I didn’t create it; I have no idea where it came from.”
First Lady Melania Trump found it “cute,” he noted, adding a joke about the Pope’s celibacy.
When asked last week about potential candidates for the position of Pope, Trump jokingly responded, “Well, I want to be Pope. That’s my number one option,” addressing reporters on Southern Skirt last Tuesday.
Vice President JD Vance jokingly expressed interest in meeting the clergy member elected as the Catholic Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
