Trump Shares AI-Generated Pope Image as Vatican Conclave Approaches
As the Vatican prepares for its conclave to elect the next pope, former President Donald Trump has drawn attention by posting an AI-generated image of himself portraying the pontiff. This image was shared on his Truth Social account on a recent Friday evening, yet the context and source of the image remain unclear.
Context of the Image
Trump’s post comes in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on April 21 at the age of 88. Following this event, Trump made headlines by joking about his interest in the papacy, stating, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice.” However, he later clarified, saying, “No, I don’t know, I have no preference.” Trump expressed support for Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, who he noted “is very good,” while speaking to reporters outside the White House on April 29.
Political Reactions
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) responded to Trump’s humorous remarks by playfully suggesting that the papal conclave might consider Trump as a candidate. In a post on X, Graham described Trump as a “dark horse candidate” and encouraged the Catholic community to keep an open mind regarding this unusual pairing of former U.S. President and pope.
Trump’s Attendance at the Funeral
Recently, Trump attended Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, where images circulating on social media appeared to show him dozing off. However, Snopes has fact-checked these claims, determining that the video footage does not support these assertions.
Upcoming Conclave Details
The Vatican’s conclave is set to commence on May 7, featuring 133 cardinal electors, marking a historic moment as this is the first conclave to include more than 120 cardinals.
Trump’s Religious Views
Trump has publicly identified as a non-denominational Christian, despite having been confirmed in a Presbyterian church during his childhood. His remarks highlight a complex relationship with religious identity and influence.
Prior AI Image Controversies
This is not the first instance of Trump sharing manipulated images on his social media platform. Last year, he garnered attention for posting AI-generated visuals that falsely suggested endorsements from various celebrities, including Taylor Swift, as well as a photoshopped image portraying himself and other prominent figures as superheroes.
Conclusion
As the situation develops regarding the papal conclave and Trump’s continued engagement with public discourse, it remains to be seen how these images and remarks will resonate with both his supporters and the broader public.
