U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan said President Donald Trump’s posting of an AI-generated photo showing himself as the pontiff "wasn’t good." The image was later reposted by the administration.
Dolan, the archbishop of New York, spoke Sunday on the sidelines of a Mass in Rome. Cardinals were gathering ahead of a conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month at 88.
When asked if the image should be taken down or if an apology was needed from Trump or the White House, Dolan responded in Italian with a phrase meaning "Who knows?" He offered no further comment on that point.
The White House X account later reposted the image Trump initially shared on his Truth Social platform late Friday.
Trump, who is not Catholic, had joked last week about wanting to be the next pope. He had recently attended the funeral of Pope Francis.
The AI image depicted Trump seated in an ornate chair, dressed in white papal clothing and headdress, with his right forefinger raised.
Catholic bishops of New York state expressed displeasure with the image on X. "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," they wrote. "We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us."
The picture appeared on front pages in Italy, drawing mixed reactions. Some viewed it negatively, while some right-wing papers called it a joke.
Visitors in St. Peter's Square offered varied opinions Sunday. An American visitor from California suggested people should lighten up.
"I think he’s a funny guy, I think he’s trying to be funny and comedy is being lost in the world," said John Smith. "I think everyone needs to lighten up and smile like you’re smiling right now."
