While Trump’s image was funny, some leaders did not like it.
ROME — As the Catholic world enters a solemn chapter following the passing of Pope Francis, President Donald J. Trump has once again shown his deep respect for religious traditions — and his unique sense of humor — sparking headlines across the globe.
An AI-generated image of Trump dressed as the pope went viral Friday after it was shared on the official White House social media accounts. The post followed a lighthearted moment during a press conference when the president was asked who he’d like to see succeed the late pontiff. “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice,” Trump joked, later clarifying he had no specific candidate in mind.
The image, while satirical, drew comment from New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a highly respected voice in Catholic America. “I hope [President Trump] didn’t have anything to do with that,” Dolan said after a Mass in Rome. “Well, you know, it wasn’t good.”
Cardinal Dolan, currently in Rome for the Vatican conclave — the sacred gathering of cardinals who will choose the next pope — made clear he found the image in poor taste. Still, his remarks were tempered and respectful, reflecting his longstanding friendship with the president.
Trump Shows Respect for Catholic Faith During Historic Time
Pope Francis passed away just after Easter at age 88, prompting a global outpouring of grief. In a powerful gesture of respect, President Trump flew to Italy to personally attend the pope’s funeral — despite past public differences with the late pontiff.
While some critics attacked the president over the AI image, the White House made it clear that Trump’s relationship with the Catholic Church is rooted in mutual respect. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, herself a graduate of Catholic schools, defended the president’s actions. “President Trump flew across the world to honor Pope Francis,” she said. “He’s a true champion of religious liberty and Catholic values.”
Trump, who identifies as a non-denominational Christian, has consistently stood up for faith-based Americans. His administration has fought for the rights of churches, schools, and pro-life Americans — earning him strong support from Catholics and evangelicals alike. First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance are both practicing Catholics, underscoring the administration’s connection to Christian values.
Dolan, Trump Share Longstanding Friendship Rooted in Faith
President Trump praised Cardinal Dolan during the press event, saying, “We have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens.” Though said in jest, the comment signaled the president’s high regard for the New York archbishop.
Dolan and Trump have crossed paths many times — most notably at the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a cherished Catholic tradition that President Trump attended last year. Vice President Kamala Harris skipped the event entirely, a break from longstanding presidential campaign norms.
Dolan also serves on the president’s Religious Liberty Commission, where he has stated that President Trump “takes his Christian faith seriously.”
Catholic Leaders Clash Over Image, But Trump Allies Push Back
While some voices in the Church criticized the AI image — with the New York State Catholic Conference urging the public not to “mock” this sacred moment — prominent conservatives rallied behind the president.
Vice President JD Vance, who met with Pope Francis just hours before his passing, made a powerful defense of Trump. “As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes,” Vance said, “and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen.”
The conclave to choose Pope Francis’s successor begins this Wednesday in Rome. As the world watches, President Trump’s mix of reverence for tradition, faith-centered leadership, and unapologetic humor once again places him at the center of America’s cultural conversation.
