TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has once again stirred controversy by sharing an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The post appeared on his official Instagram account @realdonaldtrump, then was spread on the Truth Social platform, and even reposted by the official White House account on X.
This post comes just a few days after Trump jokingly declared himself as the chosen Pope candidate, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The pope's funeral drew world leaders to Vatican, including Trump.
Trump's Post Draws Flak
Trump's post sparked anger on social media, especially amidst the nine-day official mourning period in the Vatican. Cardinals have been celebrating daily masses in remembrance of Francis and are scheduled to open a conclave to elect a new pope on Wednesday, May 7.
Many social media users deemed Trump's action as an insult to the Catholic Church and the mourning period. Citing USA Today, one user on X wrote, "I'm not American. I'm not even a Catholic. But as a human being I am beyond offended by this image, and that someone in The White House actually CHOSE to repost this. Grow up!”
Criticism also came from official institutions. The New York State Catholic Conference, representing bishops including the Archdiocese of New York, issued a statement through X. "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." As of Sunday night, the Vatican had not issued an official statement.
Defense from Vice President J.D. Vance
Senator J.D. Vance, the U.S. vice president and a Catholic convert since 2019, defended Trump's post. Responding to conservative critic Bill Kristol on X, Vance wrote, "As a general rule, I'm fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen." Vance has often clashed with U.S. bishops, especially regarding Trump's immigration policies, which were criticized by Pope Francis.
In the political realm, various responses have emerged. U.S. Democratic Party Congressman Ted Lieu wrote on X, "As a Catholic, I take great offense to Donald Trump mocking Catholics. I wish Trump would focus on lowering prices instead. The American economy had negative GDP growth last quarter. That’s what he should be focused on instead of making fun of Catholics," he wrote.
Trump's Religious Identity and Relationship with the Vatican
Trump, according to a report by Presbyterian Church USA, now refers to himself as a non-denominational Christian. In a written interview with Religion News Service in October 2020, Trump stated, "Though I was confirmed at a Presbyterian church as a child, I now consider myself to be a nondenominational Christian."
According to ABC News, although Trump attended the Pope's funeral, his administration's relationship with the Vatican has often been strained. Pope Francis openly condemned the Trump administration's mass deportation policies, especially before being hospitalized for pneumonia last February.
During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis sought to shape the U.S. Catholic hierarchy that emphasized social justice and migration issues, distancing from the dominant conservative understanding in the era of Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
INSTAGRAM | X | ABC NEWS | PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA
Editor’s Choice: President Claudia Sheinbaum Rejects Trump's Plan to Send US Troops to Mexico
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump is the Symptom of Deeper American Malaise
3 jam lalu
US President Donald Trump's disruptive policies reveal a superpower unsettled by its waning dominance.
Amazon Unveils Nova Premier, Compatible with AI Meta and DeepSeek
10 jam lalu
Amazon claims that the Nova Premier model excels in complex tasks requiring deep understanding.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Rejects Trump's Plan to Send US Troops to Mexico
11 jam lalu
Trump wants to send US troops to Mexico but is firmly rejected by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Indonesia Responds to U.S. Tariffs with Five-Point Policy Reform Plan
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian government plans to reform several policies in response to reciprocal tariff policies implemented by the United States.
Indonesia's VP Gibran Says AI Will Be Taught in Schools Starting Next Academic Year
1 hari lalu
Gibran mentions that AI subject will be included in elementary, junior high, senior high, and vocational school levels.
Government Outlines 5 Pillars of Indonesia's AI Roadmap
2 hari lalu
The Ministry of Communication and Digital claims to have learned from the approach in the European Union, Singapore, and China in formulating the AI roadmap in Indonesia.
Trump-Carney Meeting Looms: What's the Real Issue?
3 hari lalu
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a figure who often voices disputes with Trump. What are the issues surrounding Canada and the U.S.?
US, Ukraine Finalize Minerals Deal After Trump Push
3 hari lalu
The U.S. and Ukraine finally signed a mineral deal. The talks had stalled after a meeting between Trump and Zelensky last February.
Convicted Cardinal Angelo Becciu Withdraws from Papal Conclave
3 hari lalu
Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has chosen to withdraw as a candidate for the new pope in the Papal Conclave on May 7, 2025
AI Boom: Top 10 Richest Emerging Tech Billionaires in 2025
4 hari lalu
These ten new tech billionaires in 2025 are not only reaping the rewards of innovation but are also actively shaping the future of AI.
