Donald Trump recently joked about becoming the next Pope, even sharing an AI-generated image of himself in papal robes on Truth Social. This occurred shortly after Pope Francis's death and Trump's attendance at the funeral. The post quickly went viral, drawing a mix of amusement, outrage, and confusion.

Trump's initial comment, "I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice," was made to reporters. He later took the joke further by posting an AI image of himself in white vestments, a mitre, and an ornate cross. Some social media users found the post humorous, while others criticized it as insensitive, accusing Trump of mocking Pope Francis’s death.

The selection of a new Pope is underway following Pope Francis’s death. Trump's joke has stirred controversy, especially given his religious background. Raised Presbyterian, Trump now identifies as a nondenominational Christian. He was confirmed at a Presbyterian church in 1959 and for many years identified as a mainline Protestant.

This isn’t the first time Trump has been accused of mocking Pope Francis’s death. The AI image of him in papal attire drew negative reactions from social media users, with some finding it disrespectful and offensive. Comments ranged from accusations of disrespect to the church and God to criticisms of narcissism.

Despite not being Catholic, Trump has increasingly used public religious rhetoric, particularly after a failed assassination attempt during a campaign rally. He declared, “God was watching me” at the National Prayer Breakfast and emphasized the importance of religion. In February, he signed an executive order to establish a White House Faith Office in response to “anti-Christian bias” within the federal government. Evangelical pastor Paula White, a longtime spiritual adviser, has played a significant role in his faith initiatives.

As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new leader, the incident has sparked debate about Trump's appropriateness and religious identity. Several cardinals are considered potential successors to Pope Francis including Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Congo), Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) and Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary).