An AI-generated image of President Trump dressed because the pope is breaking the web — with some suggesting it’s “form of lovely,” whereas others are bashing it as “sacrilegious.”
The Trumped-up papal picture was jokingly shared on the White Home’s X account Friday and the president’s Reality Social has since topped tens of hundreds of thousands of views.
The picture reveals Trump holding up his index finger as if about to evangelise ex cathedra — clad within the conventional vivid white Catholic vestments with gold lining.
“Seeing is believing! An image is value a thousand phrases,” cheered Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a Southern Baptist, in a response submit on X.
“Glad to report there may be very optimistic reception and powerful momentum for President Trump to be the following Pope,” he joked of the president, who as a non-denominational Christian is ineligible to be pope except he converts to Catholicism.
“However I shall be first to confess there was some resistance! Should preserve your head down and plow ahead — can’t let the naysayers win the day. Subsequent week is essential because the papal conclave convenes…. Extra updates to return!”
Others chimed in with supportive posts.
Conservative author Rod Dreher even got here up with a brand new slogan.
“Properly, why not? ‘Make Rome Borgia Once more’ isn’t too unhealthy after The Very Humble Francis. May result in an, um, Renaissance within the Church,” he wrote on X.
“I’m not completely certain Trump did this himself, but when he did, he simply made the left defend faith and that’s form of lovely,” one other wrote.
However the New York State Catholic Convention and different members of the religion tore into the White Home for the “offense and sacrilegious” meme.
“There’s nothing intelligent or humorous about this picture, Mr. President,” the Empire State Catholic Bishops blasted the president.
“We simply buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a brand new successor of St. Peter. Don’t mock us.”
“Mr. President (@realDonaldTrump)—please stop this offensive and sacrilegious habits,” pleaded former Vice President Mike Pence’s speechwriter Joshua Charles.
Eric Sammons, a Catholic and the editor-in-chief of Disaster journal mentioned he wasn’t offended.
“It’s typical Trump humor, and I’ve realized to not take that too significantly,” mentioned Sammons.
“I’m rather more anxious about how precise occupants of the Chair of St. Peter would possibly demean the workplace.”
Trump, 78, flew with first woman Melania Trump to the pope’s funeral final Saturday, the place he held an impromptu, high-stakes assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky because the US seeks to dealer talks ending Kyiv’s more-than-three-year struggle with Russia.
One Catholic web sleuth mentioned Trump appeared to be having fun with extending the Signal of Peace to mourners in St. Peter’s Sq..
The conclave to elect the brand new pope is scheduled for Might 7, with Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, 70, at present the odds-on favourite to exchange Francis.
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is in a detailed second adopted by Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, who may very well be the primary African pope.
Francis died after a extended battle with double pneumonia on April 21.
Vice President JD Vance was in a position to meet with the 88-year-old pontiff on Easter Sunday simply earlier than and shared an emotional tribute after his passing.
“I used to be blissful to see him yesterday, although he was clearly very ailing. However I’ll at all times keep in mind him for the under homily he gave within the very early days of COVID. It was actually fairly lovely. Might God relaxation his soul,” Vance mentioned.
The pope advocated in opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration insurance policies earlier this 12 months, calling it a “main disaster,” however his assembly with Vance was heat.
The Holy Father even gave three chocolate Easter eggs for the vice chairman’s kids.
The Submit reached out to the White Home for remark.
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