A portrait of Donald Trump in the guise of the Pope. Photo: Truth Social / Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has sparked a new wave of debate by posting an image on his Truth Social social media platform showing him dressed as the Pope. The photo, which, according to media reports, was created by artificial intelligence, appeared shortly after the head of the White House said: “I would love to be the Pope. That would be my first choice.”
The image shows Trump sitting in white papal vestments, with a mitre on his head, a large cross on his chest and a raised index finger, in a pose reminiscent of traditional portraits of pontiffs.
This happened against the backdrop of preparations for the Vatican conclave, which will begin on 7 May after the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. 133 cardinals under the age of 80 will gather to elect a new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Trump’s statements and the publication caused a stir, especially given his policy on migrants, which Pope Francis has criticised. On the eve of the pontiff’s death, US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic and conservative, visited the Vatican, which only underscored Washington’s interest in changing the church’s top leadership.
According to recent polls, about 60% of American Catholics supported Trump in the election. Some of them – especially Latin Americans – hope that Francis’ successor will be more traditional.
Thanks to his powerful media influence, President Trump not only dominates the political discourse, but also intriguingly intertwines himself in global religious events – even with the help of artificial intelligence.
