In a move that has sparked both laughter and outrage, US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal robes on May 3, 2025. This post came just days after Trump jokingly expressed his desire to become the next Pope, a statement that has drawn significant attention in the wake of Pope Francis's recent death.
On May 1, during a press interaction, Trump quipped, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” while also mentioning Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York as a potential candidate for the papacy. The light-hearted comment quickly escalated when Trump took to Truth Social to post the AI image of himself adorned in white vestments, a mitre, and an ornate cross, which went viral almost immediately.
The timing of Trump’s post is particularly sensitive, as the Catholic Church is currently in mourning following the death of Pope Francis on April 22, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that Francis died from complications related to a stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately heart failure. His funeral was held on April 26, attended by numerous world leaders, including Trump, who occupied a prominent front-row seat in St. Peter’s Square.
Reactions to Trump’s AI-generated image have been mixed, with many social media users accusing him of mocking the Pope’s death. Comments ranged from outrage to humor, with some users labeling the post as "disrespectful to the church and God himself" and others calling it "narcissistic." One user even went so far as to say, "How disrespectful to Catholics. That is what Trump and his maggots are all about, disrespect and meanness and stupidity." Conversely, some found humor in the situation, with one user quipping, "From ‘Make America Great Again’ to ‘Bless America, My Child.’" Another added, "Trump might be preparing for papacy too. I can already hear him say, ‘We will make the Vatican great again!’"
Despite the backlash, Trump’s comments have garnered some support within his political circle. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham expressed enthusiasm for Trump's papal aspirations, stating on social media, "I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope. This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!" Graham humorously noted that the combination of a Pope and a US President could have "many upsides" and playfully referenced the papal conclave by saying, "Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!"
In the broader context, the Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave set to begin on May 7, 2025, to elect a new leader for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Several cardinals are considered potential successors to Pope Francis, including:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Currently serving as the Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat known for his international relations expertise.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): The former Archbishop of Manila, Tagle is recognized for his pastoral skills and would be the first Asian Pope if elected.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Congo): As Archbishop of Kinshasa, Ambongo is a strong advocate for social justice and environmental issues.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): The Archbishop of Bologna, Zuppi is noted for his work in peace negotiations and commitment to marginalized communities.
- Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary): A respected canon law scholar, Erdo represents a conservative voice within the Church.
Trump’s humorous yet controversial remarks come at a time when the Catholic Church is undergoing significant transitions. The upcoming conclave is expected to reflect the Church's evolving stance on various issues, including those related to social justice, environmental concerns, and the Church's role in a changing world.
While Trump’s aspirations for the papacy may be viewed as a light-hearted joke, they also highlight the intersection of politics and religion in contemporary America. With approximately 20% of Americans identifying as Catholic and many having supported Trump in previous elections, his comments resonate with a substantial voter base.
However, Trump's history of controversial statements and actions raises questions about the sincerity of his remarks. Critics argue that his comments may trivialize the role of the Pope, especially in light of the recent mourning period for Pope Francis, who was known for his progressive views and efforts to unify the Church.
As the world watches the unfolding events surrounding the papal conclave, Trump's blend of humor and audacity continues to dominate discussions on social media and beyond. Whether his comments will have any lasting impact on his political career or the Catholic Church remains to be seen.
In the meantime, as the Catholic Church prepares to select its next leader, the question lingers: what does it mean for a former president to joke about wanting to be Pope during such a poignant time?
