Trump Mocks the Vatican with Parody Image of Himself as Pope

• Trump Posts Parody Photo as Pope
• Catholic Conference Condemns the Joke
• JD Vance Defends the Post

U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy once again with a post on his platform, Truth Social.

He shared a parody image of himself dressed as the pope.

The image, which quickly went viral, shows Trump in full papal regalia—white robes, a golden crucifix, and the traditional mitre.

He posted the image after joking with the press earlier this week, saying he would make an excellent pope and that no one would do a better job.

Donald Trump and the Controversial Pope Parody Photo

“HOLY SH*T ? Donald Trump stuns the world by posting a picture of himself as the next Pope ? Donald Trump would be one of the BEST Popes to ever live ?” pic.twitter.com/qhrhbnkgl9
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice), May 3, 2025

The image, seemingly generated by artificial intelligence, depicts Trump raising his index finger skyward in a gesture resembling a papal blessing.

The timing could not have been more controversial, as it came just as the Catholic Church prepared for the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

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Trump posted the image late Friday night, shortly before the start of the papal conclave—a solemn event drawing cardinals from around the world.

However, the parody was not well received by all. The Catholic Conference of New York State expressed outrage, accusing Trump of disrespecting the Catholic faith.

Reaction of the Catholic Conference.

#USA | Trump’s controversial photo dressed in the Pope who spread the White House and that gives what to talk about https://t.co/p6u0ecjipt

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– Caraota Digital (@caraotadigital) May 3, 2025

“This image is neither clever nor funny, Mr. President,” the group wrote on X.

They also pointed out that the Church was still mourning the death of Pope Francis.

And that the timing of the joke was deeply inappropriate.

“Don’t mock us,” the statement concluded.

The image quickly gained traction online, sparking both support and backlash.

While some of Trump’s supporters defended the post as harmless humor, others argued that it was inappropriate given the solemnity of the Church’s current moment.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a recent Catholic convert, came to Trump’s defense on X.

He suggested the image should be taken in jest rather than as a serious affront.

Public Response and JD Vance’s Defense

Vance also reminded the public that Trump had repeatedly expressed respect for the Church and its traditions.

Meanwhile, Trump continued to float the idea—this time more seriously—that New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan would be an excellent choice for pope.

That suggestion sparked its own debate about the plausibility of an American pope.

But it was largely overshadowed by the viral image.

The conclave to choose the next pope is set to begin on Wednesday, and the cardinals are expected to make a historic decision amid global scrutiny.

Trump’s post and his comments have only added fuel to the fire during an already sensitive time for the Catholic Church.

Despite the criticism, Trump has stood by his right to joke and express himself freely.

Still, his parody of the papacy may have consequences beyond social media, especially at a time when the global spotlight is on the Church’s transition of leadership.

Sources: Efe and Univision