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Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as pope on Truth Social late on May 2, 2025, two days after joking that he wanted the job. The White House reposted the image on X the next day, as the Catholic Church prepared to begin the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor. The image’s creator and production method have not been established in the contemporaneous reporting.
What happened, and when?
The image appeared amid the transition following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025. Cardinals were scheduled to begin the conclave to choose his successor on May 7. TIME’s May 3 account records the sequence:
- April 30: Asked about the next pontiff, Trump said, “I’d like to be Pope,” adding, “That would be my number one choice.”
- Late May 2: Trump shared the image on Truth Social. It showed him in white papal clothing, including a cassock and miter.
- May 3: The White House reposted the image on X, and official social accounts shared it.
- May 4: Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan criticized it while speaking to reporters in Rome.
- May 5: Trump called it a joke and said he had nothing to do with making it.
Why did Trump post an AI picture of himself as pope?
The reporting establishes the post and Trump’s later description of it as a joke, but it does not establish a deeper motive. The timing linked the image to a real papal succession: Francis had died less than two weeks earlier, and the conclave was days away. That context helps explain why the post drew attention, but it does not prove what Trump intended by sharing it.
John Wihbey, director of Northeastern University’s AI-Media Strategies Lab, told Reuters that “the merging of social media and AI power” was becoming a new phenomenon in political communication. That is Wihbey’s broader analysis, not evidence about who made this image or why Trump posted it. Reuters, republished by Investing.com, reported his comments alongside the White House’s response on attribution.
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- A Touch of Papal Presence: Each charming, miniature figurine is designed to resemble Pope Leo XIV, bringing a recognizable and beloved symbol of Catholic faith into your everyday environment. Ideal for desks, home altars, or personal display.
- For Personal Reflection or Shared Fun: Choose a 1 Pack for yourself, or select the 10 Pack to share the joy! The 10-pack enables the "Holy Hide-and-Seek" tradition: hide these little pontiffs in unexpected places to bring spontaneous blessings and smiles to your community.
- Durable & Detail-Oriented Iconography: Crafted from sturdy, high-quality PVC for longevity. They feature fine details like the papal vestments, spectacles, and a humble, prayerful posture, presented in a delightful, compact size.
- Unique Clergy & Colleague Gift: A thoughtful and humorous novelty item for priests, deacons, religious education teachers, or any dedicated Catholic friend. A perfect small token for birthdays, appreciation days, or Christmas exchanges.
- Compact Size: Standing approximately 2 inches tall, these mini Popes are unobtrusive yet noticeable—ideal for adding a touch of faith-based whimsy to computer monitors, bookshelves, office break rooms, or a personal prayer nook.
Did the White House post the Trump pope picture?
Yes. TIME reported that the White House reposted it on X on May 3, following Trump’s Truth Social post late the previous night. The repost confirms that the image was shared by the White House account; it does not identify who created it.
Who created the image?
The available contemporaneous reporting does not identify the creator or the tool or workflow used to generate the image. Trump said, “I had nothing to do with it.” Reuters reported that the White House did not answer questions about who created the image or who besides Trump posts to his Truth Social account. The supported description is therefore an AI-generated image, not an image with a verified individual author or known production process.
Rank #2
- 3D Printed with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Filament - Hard Plastic
- Design: Pope Leo XIV in Red Mozzetta
- Color: Red, White, & Gold
- Size: 2.5 IN x 2.0 IN x 2.3 IN
- Made in the USA
How did Catholics react?
Reactions reported at the time included criticism from Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, then the Cardinal of New York, and Trump’s contrasting claim that Catholics liked the image. Neither account establishes the views of Catholics as a whole.
Cardinal Dolan’s criticism
Speaking to reporters in Rome on May 4, Dolan said, “Well, you know, it wasn’t good. The Italians say, ‘brutta figura,’” explaining that it made a “bad impression.” His remarks were published by Catholic News Service and carried by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Read the USCCB/CNS report.
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- ⏳ Materials and Craftsmanship: Premium Quality Resin, Fade-Resistant, and Easy to Maintain. Crafted from high-grade, durable, it resists cracking and fading, preserving its beauty year after year.
- 🏠 Perfect 6-Inch Size for Any Space — 2" × 1.7" × 6.3"H, this compact religious statue fits seamlessly on desks, bookshelves, mantels, nightstands, and window ledges. Whether displayed in a cozy apartment prayer corner or an executive office workspace, its petite scale adds spiritual presence without overwhelming your decor.
- 🖌️ Design and Details: Each 6-inch figurine is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans, capturing the Holy Father's serene expression, blessing gesture, and ornate vestments with vibrant colors and delicate gold accents—a lasting of faith and art.
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Trump’s response
On May 5, Trump told reporters, “I had nothing to do with it” and “The Catholics loved it.” When a reporter mentioned Catholics’ unhappiness, he replied, “You mean they can’t take a joke,” according to Axios’s account. These were Trump’s characterizations, not a measure of Catholic opinion.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A Touch of Papal Presence: Each charming, miniature figurine is designed to resemble Pope Leo XIV, bringing a recognizable and beloved symbol of Catholic faith into your everyday environment. Ideal for desks, home altars, or personal display.
- For Personal Reflection or Shared Fun: Choose a 1 Pack for yourself, or select the 10 Pack to share the joy! The 10-pack enables the "Holy Hide-and-Seek" tradition: hide these little pontiffs in unexpected places to bring spontaneous blessings and smiles to your community.
- Durable & Detail-Oriented Iconography: Crafted from sturdy, high-quality PVC for longevity. They feature fine details like the papal vestments, spectacles, and a humble, prayerful posture, presented in a delightful, compact size.
- Unique Clergy & Colleague Gift: A thoughtful and humorous novelty item for priests, deacons, religious education teachers, or any dedicated Catholic friend. A perfect small token for birthdays, appreciation days, or Christmas exchanges.
- Compact Size: Standing approximately 2 inches tall, these mini Popes are unobtrusive yet noticeable—ideal for adding a touch of faith-based whimsy to computer monitors, bookshelves, office break rooms, or a personal prayer nook.
Rank #4
- DA POPE: Brighten your commute with this dancing Pope Leo XIV dashboard dancer. This Chicagoan Pope is sure to bring smiles, blessings, and a lighthearted spirit wherever he goes.
- Spread Good Vibes: This Pope dashboard dancer is a hilarious car accessory that wiggles and bobs with every bump, turn, and stoplight. Perfect for adding humor (and a little bit of faith) to your ride.
- Easy Stick & Bobble Fun: Comes with a strong adhesive pad that securely attaches to any smooth surface, like your car dashboard or desk—no tools required!
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- Great Gift: Whether for Catholics, Chicagoans, gag gift lovers, or anyone with a sense of humor, this Pope dashboard dancer makes a fun and unique present. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or white elephant parties.
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