Trump’s AI image as Pope draws backlash amid Vatican preparations for new papal election

Washington/New York: US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media sparking a duelling backlash and praise, Newsweek said on Saturday.

The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it “cosplaying as the next Pope” comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own “number one choice” for the next pope. 

In the Vatican, cardinals are set to begin on May 7 the process to choose a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21. The US president was among the world leaders who attended his funeral at St Peter's Square on April 26.

The president posted the picture on Saturday, without a caption or comment. “The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online,” Newsweek said adding, it reached out to the Vatican via email soon after.

Earlier on April 29, Trump told a television reporter: “I'd like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.”

When asked who should replace Francis, Trump said, “I have no preference,” but added: “I must say, 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.”

Meanwhile, Trump's image went viral on social media with scores of users coming up with jokes, memes and criticism of the president.

One user reacting to the White House post wrote, “Perhaps he's trying to send a message to the Catholic Church to "NOT elect a liberal Pope, but rather a Great Pope again." I don't know, I'm just trying to understand his reasoning for publishing such a thing”.

Another wrote, “and there goes your catholic base. great move president”.

A third person tweeted, “I love Trump but find his Pope meme disrespectful and insulting. God will not be mocked. Not a wise decision. That said I pray for him. I pray for America”.

Another critic expressed strong disapproval, stating, “As President of the United States, posting a picture of himself as Pope a few days after the Pope's death is neither funny, nor does it present statesmanship and respectful behavior. Rather, it shows the boundless arrogance and childish behavior of a man who believes he is above everything, can get away with anything and is the head of everyone”.

One user wrote, “Ok. I’m not religious, but I don’t think this was really necessary.”

(with inputs from PTI)