WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump recently captivated social media with an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal attire, just days after jokingly expressing a desire to succeed Pope Francis. The image, shared initially on Trump’s social platform Truth Social, features the former president in white papal robes, seated in an ornate chair while raising a finger as if addressing an audience.

This digital creation emerged as the Catholic Church prepares for an upcoming conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. Over 130 cardinals from around the globe will gather in Vatican City on May 7 to deliberate on the papal successor.

Trump, who is not a member of the Catholic faith, drew attention during a recent White House press briefing when he humorously expressed his wish to have the title of pope. “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice,” he said. He went on to mention Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the archbishop of New York, noting, “We have a cardinal from New York who’s very good.”

The timing of Trump’s playful remarks and the AI-generated image has ignited discussions online. While some dismissed it as harmless humor, others criticized it as inappropriate given the solemnity surrounding Pope Francis’ recent passing. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni declined to comment on the image when questioned at a recent briefing discussing the upcoming papal election.

Reactions to the photo have been mixed. Critics, including former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele, labeled the post as indicative of Trump’s lack of seriousness. The New York State Catholic Conference issued a statement condemning the image as mocking and disrespectful, emphasizing the gravity of the moment as cardinals prepare to select a new spiritual leader.

Supporters of Trump defended his actions, arguing that he intended the image as a lighthearted playful jab rather than a serious commentary on the papacy. One supporter, Debbie Macchia, expressed that while she appreciated the joke, she hoped no one would cross the line into sacrilege.

This incident is not the first instance of Trump or his administration utilizing AI-generated imagery. Earlier this year, a different AI-created photo of Trump wearing a crown was shared, accompanied by claims regarding congestion pricing in New York City.

As the anticipation builds for the electoral conclave, the former president’s playful foray into religious symbolism reflects ongoing patterns of public engagement with political humor, despite the mixed reception it garners. In the days leading up to the conclave, all eyes will be on the cardinals as they undertake the significant responsibility of selecting the next pope amidst a backdrop of heightened public interest.