The image showing Donald Trump in a white cassock and a pointed miter has generated a wave of criticism. Shared on the former president's Truth Social site and then republished by the White House on its official account, the image has provoked outrage among various entities, including representatives of bishops in New York and Italian citizens.
The image has caused controversy on social media as well as in the Vatican, which is still in official mourning for the recent death of Pope Francis. For the Catholic community, the death of a pope and the election of his successor are matters of extreme solemnity, given the significance of the pontiff as the vicar of Christ on Earth.
The White House was quickly questioned about the image and the reactions it generated, but has not responded to inquiries about the matter. Meanwhile, Trump has made it clear his interest in the papal figure, even during the mourning period for Francisco's passing and leading up to the imminent conclave to choose the next pope.
In the United States, the Catholic Conference of New York has reprimanded Trump for what they consider an inappropriate mockery. In Italy, the newspaper La Repubblica has criticized the image, describing the former president's attitude as a display of "pathological megalomania." Even political figures, such as former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, have expressed their shame over the image taken lightly by Trump.
The red lightsaber from Star Wars, present in the publication featuring Trump as the central figure, symbolizes the dark side of the Force and the ambition for power, elements that have been the subject of criticism and questioning regarding the disseminated image. Additionally, the fact that the U.S. economy is at risk of recession and the dollar is losing value has further fueled criticism towards the president and his management, especially during a time of mourning and seriousness for the Catholic Church.
