President Donald Trump has found himself in hot water with Catholic leaders after sharing a computer-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on social media. The image, posted on Trump’s official X accounts just after 5 a.m. on May 3, sparked outrage, especially as Catholics around the world continue to mourn the death of Pope Francis.
The image of Trump in full papal regalia was released shortly after Trump made a comment saying, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice.”
“This is deeply offensive to Catholics, especially during this sacred time that we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of our new pope,” Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, stated on social media.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and a close ally of Trump, said, “It wasn’t good” when asked about the post.
Adding fuel to the fire, the New York State Catholic Conference tweeted in response to the image: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”
There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us. https://t.co/ortxbkDlT5
— NYS Catholic Conference (@NYSCatholicConf) May 3, 2025
The White House has yet to directly comment on the criticism. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did briefly address it, saying, “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”
Many, however, have called on Trump to apologize, with some questioning the president’s judgment and respect for the Church.
