Trump Posts AI-Generated Image as Vatican Conclave Approaches

As the Vatican gears up for its upcoming conclave to elect a new pope, former President Donald Trump has made headlines by sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as the leader of the Catholic Church. The post was made on his official Truth Social account, causing a wave of reactions and discussions.

Context of the Image Sharing

On Friday evening, Trump uploaded the image without providing any commentary or additional context. The origins of the image remain unspecified, leaving many to speculate about its intent and implications.

Trump’s Papal Aspirations

This isn’t the first time Trump has comically suggested he might be interested in the papacy. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, Trump was quoted saying, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice,” during a conversation with reporters. However, he tempered his comments with a more serious note, mentioning potential candidates, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York, who he had previously appointed to a new Religious Liberty Commission.

Political Support for Trump’s Aspirations

Senator Lindsey Graham took Trump’s remarks in stride and further mused about the possibility of Trump becoming pope. In a post on X, Graham suggested, “I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope… Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!”

A Recent Event: Pope Francis’s Funeral

Coincidentally, Trump recently attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. Although images circulated on social media suggesting that he fell asleep during the service, fact-checkers, including Snopes, debunked these claims, asserting that the video evidence contradicted this narrative.

Upcoming Vatican Conclave Details

The conclave, set to begin on May 7, will convene 133 cardinal electors, marking the first time the assembly will include over 120 members, according to Vatican News.

Trump’s Religious Background

While Trump has described himself as having been confirmed at a Presbyterian church in his youth, he now identifies as a non-denominational Christian, a fact he has made public in various interviews, including one from his time in office.

History of Sharing Polished Images

This instance is not isolated; Trump has previously shared other digitally manipulated images on his platform. Notably, last August, he claimed through AI-generated images that pop star Taylor Swift endorsed him for president, illustrating a pattern of using creative imagery to engage with his audience.