Just days after the funeral of Pope Francis, former U.S. President Donald Trump ignited controversy by sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope. The image, posted on his Truth Social platform, depicted Trump wearing a papal mitre and holding a large crucifix. This provocative post followed a previous tongue-in-cheek remark he made about potentially succeeding the late pontiff.
Trump has joked in the past about becoming pope, but this latest stunt struck a nerve with many. Critics called the post insensitive and sacrilegious, especially as Catholics around the world were still mourning Pope Francis. The image was widely condemned online, with many users accusing Trump of mocking the sacred traditions of the Church. Some of his own followers urged him to take it down, labeling it a step too far.
Adding to the controversy, Trump also faced backlash for his attire at Pope Francis’s funeral. While most dignitaries honored the Vatican’s strict dress code by wearing somber, dark suits, Trump appeared in a bright blue suit and matching tie—an outfit many deemed disrespectful given the solemn occasion.
Amid the mourning and global attention, Trump briefly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the funeral proceedings. Their exchange, though short, was seen as a potential thaw in their historically strained relationship. It came at a critical moment, with Trump reportedly taking a more forceful position against Russian President Vladimir Putin following intensified missile attacks on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, within the Vatican walls, cardinals began closed-door meetings to prepare for the selection of the next pope. The conclave, which commenced shortly after Francis’s passing on April 21, is expected to determine whether the Church will continue down the progressive path championed by the late pontiff.
