Catholic Bishops Knock Trump’s AI Image As Pope, Says ‘It’s Not Clever or Funny, We Just Buried Our Beloved Pope Francis, Do Not Mock Us"
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the New York State Catholic Conference, (NYSCC) has criticised the United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope, adding that they just buried their beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter, therefore the president should not mock them.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the NYS Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, in a post on X.com late this week, wrote: “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.”
OTN News recalls that Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.
The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.
OTN News observes that the post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.
His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.
While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.
Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the AI generated photographs of Donald Trump
are being machinated by one Mr. Hamilton who had, during last year's presidential campaign, campaigned agaibst Trump, telling voters "don't go to the orange side" as he made an appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
OTN News recalls that the 73-year-old added: "In the movies, I fought against make-believe evil. But we’re at a time in history where we’re fighting against real evil. So I beg you, please don’t go to the orange side."
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