An AI-generated image of President Trump dressed because the pope is breaking the web — with some suggesting it’s “kind of beautiful,” whereas others are bashing it as “sacrilegious.”
The Trumped-up papal picture was jokingly shared on the White Home’s X account Friday and the president’s Reality Social has since topped tens of tens of millions of views.
The picture reveals Trump holding up his index finger as if about to evangelise ex cathedra — clad within the conventional shiny white Catholic vestments with gold lining.
“Seeing is believing! A picture is worth a thousand words,” cheered Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a Southern Baptist, in a response submit on X.
“Glad to report there is very positive reception and strong momentum for President Trump to be the next Pope,” he joked of the president, who as a non-denominational Christian is ineligible to be pope until he converts to Catholicism.
“But I will be first to admit there has been some resistance! Must keep your head down and plow forward — can’t let the naysayers win the day. Next week is crucial as the papal conclave convenes…. More updates to come!”
Others chimed in with supportive posts.
Conservative author Rod Dreher even got here up with a brand new slogan.
“Well, why not? ‘Make Rome Borgia Again’ is not too bad after The Very Humble Francis. Could lead to an, um, Renaissance in the Church,” he wrote on X.
“I’m not entirely sure Trump did this himself, but if he did, he just made the left defend religion and that’s kind of beautiful,” one other wrote.
However the New York State Catholic Convention and different members of the religion tore into the White Home for the “offense and sacrilegious” meme.
“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President,” the Empire State Catholic Bishops blasted the 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.”
“Mr. President (@realDonaldTrump)—please cease this offensive and sacrilegious behavior,” pleaded former Vice President Mike Pence’s speechwriter Joshua Charles.
Eric Sammons, a Catholic and the editor-in-chief of Disaster journal stated he wasn’t offended.
“It’s typical Trump humor, and I’ve learned not to take that too seriously,” stated Sammons.
“I’m much more worried about how actual occupants of the Chair of St. Peter might demean the office.”
Trump, 78, flew with first girl Melania Trump to the pope’s funeral final Saturday, the place he held an impromptu, high-stakes assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky because the US seeks to dealer talks ending Kyiv’s more-than-three-year struggle with Russia.
One Catholic web sleuth stated Trump appeared to be having fun with extending the Signal of Peace to mourners in St. Peter’s Sq..
The conclave to elect the brand new pope is scheduled for Might 7, with Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, 70, at the moment the odds-on favourite to interchange Francis.
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is in a detailed second adopted by Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, who could possibly be the primary African pope.
Francis died after a extended battle with double pneumonia on April 21.
Vice President JD Vance was capable of meet with the 88-year-old pontiff on Easter Sunday simply earlier than and shared an emotional tribute after his passing.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance stated.
The pope advocated in opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration insurance policies earlier this yr, calling it a “major crisis,” however his assembly with Vance was heat.
The Holy Father even gave three chocolate Easter eggs for the vice chairman’s youngsters.
The Submit reached out to the White Home for remark.
