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X/White HouseUS President Donald Trump has attracted criticism from some Catholics after placing an image generated by AI as the Pope.
The photo, which was shared by official social media accounts of the White House, comes as Catholics Mourning for the death of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April and prepares to choose the next Pontiff.
The Catholic conference of the state of New York accused Trump of mocking faith. The post comes days after he joked with reporters: “I would like to be pope.”
Trump is not the first president to be accused of attributing the Catholic faith. Former US President Joe Biden caused indignation a year ago when he made the cross of the cross during a pro-abortion access rally in Tampa, Florida.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni refused to answer questions about Trump’s post during a briefing with journalists on Saturday. The Vatican is preparing to organize a conclave to choose Francis’s successor who starts on Wednesday.
The statue placed by Trump on Friday evening contains it with a white cassock and pointed miter, traditionally worn by a bishop. He wears a large cross around his neck and has his finger up, with a solemn facial expression.
The Catholic conference of the state of New York, which represents bishops in New York, went to X to criticize the photo.
“There is nothing smart or funny about this image, Mr. President,” the group wrote.
“We have just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to choose a new successor to St. Peter. Did not mock us.”
Left -leaning Italian former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also shot Trump’s post.
“This is an image that insults believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right -wing world enjoys clowning,” wrote Renzi in Italian on X.
But the White House rejected every suggestion that the Republican President ridiculed the papacy.
“President Trump flew to Italy to express his respect to Pope Francis and his funeral, and he has been an avid champion for Catholics and religious freedom,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
