‘Blasphemous, Disrespectful’: Trump draws backlash for AI image in papal attire days after joking he’d ‘like to be pope’

US President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself wearing papal robes—just days after joking that he’d “like to be pope” during a media interaction.

The post, shared on Trump’s social media, has sparked angry reactions. Many people deemed it inappropriate and disrespectful, especially given that it was posted just days after Pope Francis’s passing.

Pope Francis passed away last month at the age of 88. His death certificate, issued by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, cited stroke and heart failure as the causes.  Trump was among the many world leaders who attended the funeral.

Trump labelled ‘disrespectful’ by outraged Netizens

The image sparked outrage online, with many accusing Trump of mocking the late pope.

“This man is sick and blasphemous. As a Christian, I am appalled at the behaviour of this man and appalled by any Christian that continues to lift him up as a leader,” one user wrote.

Another added, “You are so disrespectful and a disgrace.” One particularly furious comment read: “This is so disrespectful, disgusting and shows Americans (and the world) exactly what Donald Trump is about: a vile, sickening narcissist who needs to be held accountable for his actions!”

“This is disgusting and entirely offensive,” said another. A third user remarked, “This is extremely disrespectful and narcissistic. Republicans really voted for that.”

‘I’d like to be pope,’ says Trump

The backlash comes on the heels of Trump’s recent comment when asked who he would like to see as the next head of the Catholic Church. “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,” Trump said. While he claimed to have no particular preference, he did suggest that an American cardinal from New York would be a “good pick.”

The remark prompted a tongue-in-cheek response from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who wrote on X: “Excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope.”

“This would truly be a dark horse candidate,” Graham continued. “But I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind… Watching for white smoke… Trump MMXXVIII!”

The process to choose the new pope will begin May 7 through a papal conclave—a closed-door vote held in Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinals will decide on the next leader of the Catholic Church.