Reactions as Trump shares AI image of himself as Pope

US President Donald Trump on Saturday shared an Artificial Intelligence (AI) created image of himself as the Pope.

This comes just a few days after the burial of Pope Francis and ahead of the expected election of a new one at the Vatican.

It also comes a few days after the US president joked that he would also like to become the new Pope.

The image was shared on his Truth Social platform official account without a caption, and later on reshared by The White House’s X account without any words.

The post on the White House account has over 20,000 responses, while his Truth Social one has over 4,500 responses at the time of publishing.

A look at the responses saw a series of mixed reactions towards this act, some terming it a mockery of the papacy, while others called for a look at it from a deeper angle, as opposed to only mockery.

Here is what some users said;

“This has got to be the most baneful and sacrilegious public statement from the United States Government. If shame and moral scruples had any value in this Administration, this abominable post would be deleted. But alas, depravity reigns supreme,” a user called Siphiwe Nodwele said.

Dean Withers said, "And there goes your catholic base. Great move, President."

Lepus Nox said, "As President of the United States, posting a picture of himself as Pope a few days after the Pope's death is neither funny, nor does it present statesmanship and respectful behaviour. Rather, it shows the boundless arrogance and childish behaviour of a man who believes he is above everything, can get away with anything and is the head of everyone."

The Kristinjoy said, "I love atheists’ and non-Catholics’ performative outrage in the comments. If you can tolerate drag queen’s mocking the pope and nuns and the Olympics mocking the Last Supper, I think you can survive this."

"Perhaps he's trying to send a message to the Catholic Church to 'NOT elect a liberal Pope, but rather a Great Pope again." I don't know, I'm just trying to understand his reasoning for publishing such a thing." America70698280 said.

Deaf libertarian said, "I am 100% positive that President Trump did not approve or authorise this post. Whoever did it is intentionally undermining him with hopes to shatter his support base and discredit him."

One Max Karson said, "MAGA, it's time to choose between Trump and Jesus."