Trump’s Papal Parody Ignites Catholic Fury During Vatican’s Sacred Mourning Period

President Trump sparked outrage by posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as pope during the mourning period for Pope Francis. Catholic leaders called the May 3 post disrespectful and offensive, with some demanding an apology. The image showed Trump in papal robes complete with a gold crucifix. Trump officials defended it as “a joke,” while emphasizing his support for Catholics. The controversy unfolds as the Vatican prepares for its May 7 conclave.

President Donald Trump sparked outrage among Catholic leaders and faithful when he posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as pope on Truth Social during the official mourning period for Pope Francis. The controversial image, showing Trump in white papal robes, a gold crucifix, and miter hat, was posted just after 5 a.m. on May 3, 2025, during the Vatican’s nine-day mourning period following Pope Francis’s death on April 21.

The timing of the post drew sharp criticism as it came during a period considered sacred for Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis died at 88 from stroke and heart failure, and the papal conclave to elect his successor is set to begin on May 7. Trump had attended the Pope’s funeral along with other world leaders before posting the image.

Catholic leadership responded swiftly, with the New York State Catholic Conference stating, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President.” Many critics found the post in poor taste given the solemn circumstances surrounding the Pope’s death. At least one U.S. bishop called for Trump to apologize. Even Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York and a Trump ally, described the image as “not good.”

The image circulated widely after the White House reposted it on its official X account. The controversy became a topic during the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing, with Italian and Spanish media characterizing the post as offensive during the mourning period.

Trump administration officials defended the president, with Vice President JD Vance dismissing the controversy as “a joke.” Senator Lindsey Graham also showed support for Trump’s papal aspirations despite the backlash from religious leaders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump had attended Pope Francis’s funeral and described him as “a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”

Social media users largely criticized the post as disrespectful, with some calling it “disgusting and entirely offensive.” Many pointed out that for Catholics, the pope represents Christ’s vicar on Earth, making the timing especially insensitive.

The controversy follows Trump’s recent comment to reporters that being pope would be his “number one choice” before suggesting Cardinal Dolan for the position.