Trump posts picture of himself as pope on Truth Social. Critics erupt | EUROtoday

President Donald Trump has posted an AI-generated picture of himself in papal regalia, simply 11 days after Pope Francis’ demise.

The picture, posted on Truth Social, exhibits President Trump wearing white carrying a papal hat, generally known as a mitre, with a big crucifix hanging round his neck.

It comes after the president joked that he’d prefer to be the pontiff when requested who he wish to succeed Pope Francis. He mentioned to reporters on the White House garden: “I’d like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.”

Trump went on to say that he didn’t have a choice however that there was a cardinal in New York who was “very good,” doubtless referring to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York.

The conclave to pick a brand new pontiff is now underway after the demise of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday on the age of 88 resulting from a stroke and coronary heart failure.

The publish has been met with amusement and criticism, with many describing it as disrespectful.

“Please take this down,” pleaded one social media person. “Many Catholics, myself included, find this as a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.”

Another responded: “Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide. The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.”

“Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?”

Some critics additionally steered his assembly on the sidelines with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was inappropriate.