Source: edition.cnn.com
Image content: A person is reading a newspaper titled “la Repubblica” outdoors in front of a building. The front page shows multiple articles and photos, including a large image of a religious figure in ceremonial attire.
Summary
In the days leading up to the conclave to select Pope Francis’s successor, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on Truth Social, which the White House then amplified on other platforms. The post, made shortly after Francis’s death, drew swift and widespread condemnation from Catholic leaders, religious organizations, Italian figures, and media outlets, who called it mocking, insensitive, and inappropriate during a period of mourning. While the Vatican declined to comment, the White House and Trump’s allies framed the image as a lighthearted joke and pointed to Trump’s public support for religious liberty and attendance at the funeral. The episode extends Trump’s broader pattern of using AI-generated content, intensifying scrutiny of his digital messaging and its impact on religious sensitivities.
Key Points
- AI-generated image of Trump as pope posted and reshared by White House accounts
- Catholic leaders and Italian figures condemn post as disrespectful during mourning
- Vatican declines comment; Italian media label the move “infantile”
- White House defends Trump, citing support for Catholics and funeral attendance
- Incident adds to ongoing concerns over Trump’s use of AI imagery