Catholic Leaders Demand Trump Apologize for AI Pope Image: 'Deeply Offensive'

Catholic leaders across the United States are condemning an AI-generated image President Donald Trump shared of himself dressed as pope.

The image, which was shared on Trump's Truth Social account and the White House's official X account on Saturday, drew widespread criticism online, with one user calling it a "mockery."

Catholic leaders joined laypeople in denouncing the image.

"By publishing a picture of himself masquerading as the Pope, President Trump mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy," wrote Bishop Thomas Paprocki, of Springfield, Ill, while urging Trump to apologize. "This is deeply offensive to Catholics especially during this sacred time that we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of our new Pope."

"Well, you know, it wasn't good," remarked New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who is part of Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. Dolan initially said he hoped Trump "didn't have anything to do with" creating and sharing the image.

Additionally, the New York State Catholic Conference said there was "nothing clever or funny" about the AI-generated image. "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," it continued.

Cardinals are due to enter conclave on May 7 to elect a new pope.