An AI-generated image depicting Donald Trump in papal robes has stirred controversy after being shared on the official White House account. The image follows Trump's joke about becoming the next Pope during the period following Pope Francis' funeral.

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In an unexpected turn of events, an AI-generated image surfaced showing former U.S. President Donald Trump wearing white papal robes and seated in an ornate chair. This fabricated image was shared on the official White House account, eliciting a range of responses. The image took inspiration from a moment when Trump jokingly expressed interest in becoming the Pope, a position he is not eligible for, as he is not Catholic. However, his jest did not amuse many within the Roman Catholic Church, which has a global following of 1.4 billion members. Among the detractors was the former Italian Prime Minister, who labeled the act as 'vergonja,' or 'shame,' emphasizing it was offensive to believers and disrespectful towards religious institutions.

Criticism continued as officials from New York's Catholic bishops remarked on the distastefulness of the image. The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive, given the recent mourning and funeral of Pope Francis and the upcoming conclave set to take place at the Vatican. Scheduled preparations at the Sistine Chapel, where a new pontiff is to be elected, are underway. The chapel's chimney, which will signal the election results through smoke, is already in place. As the period of mourning concludes, cardinals are gathering for private discussions, focusing on contemporary issues such as increasing the Church's relevance and engaging with young people. However, these talks remain strictly confidential.



Trump's AI-generated image as Pope sparks controversy

In white papal robes, seated in an ornate chair, Donald Trump posted this fake image AI-generated. It was then shared on the official White House account. Earlier this week, the US President joked he'd like to be the next Pope. I'd like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice. Trump is not Catholic and leaders of the 1.4 billion strong church aren't amused. The former Italian PM responded by saying vergonja, which means shame. This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions. The leader of the global right enjoys being a clown. And from New York's Catholic bishops, there is nothing clever or funny about this image. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis. Do not mock us. The Vatican is preparing to host the conclave from May 7. Finishing touches are being made to the Sistine Chapel where the assembly will convene and the chimney has been installed. It will signal through smoke whether a new pontiff has been elected. As nine days of mourning comes to a close, cardinals have begun to meet privately. How to make the church relevant in today's time, how to reach out to young people. Most keeping the secret discussions exactly that. Sarah Naven for 10 News First.

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