Trump posts AI image of himself as pope

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President Donald Trump has shared an artificially enhanced photo of himself on X, dressed as a pope, wearing a cross and mitre with his forefinger raised.

The Catholic Bishops of New York State responded with this statement: "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us."

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

Another wrote: "I'm not a Catholic. And I find this offensive and depraved. It's a mockery of the religion. It's not funny. It also brings a huge negative impact to the country."

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to comment on the image during a briefing with journalists on Saturday.