Trump criticised after posting AI picture of himself as Pope

[ad_1] <img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7eb9/live/bc7e4a50-2860-11f0-b954-75134d82252e.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="X/White House The image features Trump wearing a white cassock and pointed mitre, traditionally worn by a bishop. He wears a large cross around his neck, and has his finger held up, with a solemn facial expression.

" class="sc-4abb68ca-0 ldLcJe"/> X/White Home US President Donald Trump has attracted criticism from some Catholics after posting an AI-generated picture of himself because the Pope.

The image, which was shared by official White Home social media accounts, comes as Catholics mourn the loss of life of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, and put together to decide on the subsequent pontiff.

The New York State Catholic Convention accused Trump of mocking the religion. The put up comes days after he joked to reporters: "I might prefer to be Pope."

Trump will not be the primary president to be accused of constructing a mockery of the Catholic religion. Former US President Joe Biden brought about outrage a 12 months in the past when he made the signal of the cross at a pro-abortion entry rally in Tampa, Florida.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to reply questions on Trump's put up throughout a briefing with journalists on Saturday. The Vatican is making ready to host a conclave to decide on Francis's successor starting on Wednesday.

The picture posted by Trump on Friday evening options him sporting a white cassock and pointed mitre, historically worn by a bishop. He wears a big cross round his neck, and has his finger held up, with a solemn facial features.

The New York State Catholic Convention, which represents bishops in New York, took to X to criticise the image.

"There's nothing intelligent or humorous about this picture, Mr President," the group wrote.

"We simply buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a brand new successor of St Peter. Don't mock us."

Watch: Trump jokes he'd "prefer to be Pope"

Left-leaning Italian former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi additionally blasted Trump's put up.

"That is a picture that offends believers, insults establishments and exhibits that the chief of the right-wing world enjoys clowning round," Renzi wrote in Italian on X.

However the White Home rejected any suggestion that the Republican president was making enjoyable of the papacy.

"President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and spiritual liberty," stated press secretary Karoline Leavitt.