The Catholic Conference of the state of New York accused U.S. President Donald Trump of mocking the faith after he posted a viral image of himself dressed as the Pope. The image of the president surfaced while the Catholic Church is awaiting the conclave that will elect the new pontiff following the death of Francis, and two days after Trump suggested he would be a good option to occupy the throne of St. Peter.
"No one would do it better than me," Trump commented from the White House about the idea of being pope. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism and was the last public official to accompany the late Pope Francis, defended Trump, stating that the image should be considered a joke.
The Catholic Conference of New York expressed its discontent over the publication of the image, showing its displeasure at the alleged mockery of the Catholic faith. Meanwhile, Trump had expressed his desire for Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York and part of the U.S. prelates in the conclave, to become the next pope.
The controversial image of the U.S. president was created with the help of artificial intelligence and depicts him with all papal attributes. The outstretched arm and raised index finger simulate the act of giving a blessing. In response, the Catholic Conference of the state of New York stated: "This image is neither clever nor funny, Mr. President." The Catholic organization pointed out the period of mourning for the recent loss of Francis and the proximity of the election of the new pope as two reasons to consider the publication inappropriate.
