U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump after he posted an AI-generated image of himself as pope on Truth Social, calling it a harmless joke. The post, made shortly after the death of Pope Francis, drew criticism from Catholic groups but also playful support from political allies. The controversy comes just days before the papal conclave set to choose a new pope.
AI-Generated Image Sparks Online Debate
President Donald Trump recently posted an AI-generated image of himself as the pope on Truth Social. The image, published shortly after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, was seen by some as inappropriate timing, given the Catholic Church is preparing for a papal conclave on May 7 to elect a new leader.
🇺🇸 Vance’s Response: “It Was Just a Joke”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended the image, emphasizing that it was meant humorously. “As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen,” Vance wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), responding to criticism from conservative commentator Bill Kristol.
Vance, who is Catholic, was among the last American officials to meet Pope Francis before his death.
Catholic Reaction: Offense Taken by Religious Community
The New York State Catholic Conference publicly condemned the post, expressing dismay over what they saw as a mockery of their late spiritual leader. In a direct response, the group said, “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis… Do not mock us.”
Their concerns reflect the somber atmosphere within the Catholic community as cardinals prepare to gather in Rome for the conclave.
Trump’s Papal Ambitions — Joke or Commentary?
Trump’s post followed earlier comments where he jokingly claimed he would be his own top choice for pope, later suggesting New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan as a real candidate. No American has ever served as pope, making the idea unlikely and widely interpreted as part of Trump’s characteristic bravado.
Graham Joins the Satirical Bandwagon
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also weighed in on the joke, posting playfully that there was “very positive reception” for Trump as the next pope, while acknowledging “resistance” to the idea. He humorously promised further updates as the conclave approached, underscoring how the event became a point of political satire for some Trump allies.
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