Donald Trump Breaks Silence On History Making Pope Pick After AI Image Drama

Donald Trump has opened up about the news of a new Pope!

The president gave his much-awaited reaction to the emergence of the latest Pope and seemed satisfied with the process leading up to it.

Cardinal Robert Prevost breaks history as the first-ever American Pope, and President Donald Trump couldn't be happier. The election of a new Pope comes two weeks after Pope Francis' burial in Vatican City.

On May 8, following the announcement that the papal conclave had elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope, Trump expressed his enthusiasm on social media.

He congratulated Prevost, highlighting the significance of his selection as the first American Pope and emphasizing it as a great honor for the country. 

"It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Trump wrote.

The momentous occasion was marked by the sight of white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the end of the two-day conclave. The protodeacon of the College of Cardinals then emerged on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce "habemus papam," meaning "we have a pope." 

PEOPLE reported that Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, addressed the crowd for the first time, extending a message of peace.

The new Pope was born in Chicago and began his religious journey there. He has dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, where he previously served before being appointed president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America in 2023. 

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, Trump humorously suggested that he would consider nominating himself for the papacy, while expressing a desire for an American pope. 

While he referenced a cardinal from New York, likely Archbishop Timothy Dolan, he acknowledged the improbability of an American being elected as Pope. Other religious experts also indicated that the United States' significant global influence makes such an appointment unlikely. 

Dr. Bill Cavanaugh, a professor of Catholic studies at DePaul University, stated that the chances of an American pope are minimal.

As reported by The Blast, the politician lived up to his words and went on full pope mode on his social media handle. Trump's actions stirred significant controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as the Pope. 

The image, which showed him in traditional papal attire with a raised finger, was posted on his Truth Social account without any accompanying caption. The official White House X account also shared the image, amplifying the reaction online. 

This incident follows closely after the burial of Pope Francis and just days ahead of the Catholic Church's upcoming election for a new pope. Many users expressed disappointment with Trump's actions, especially since he had previously joked about wanting to be a pope.

Trump's act sparked significant backlash on social media, with many users expressing their discontent at his alleged disrespect for the church.

Critics described the controversial AI image as very disrespectful and a reflection of arrogance. One commenter noted that such behavior lacks statesmanship and reveals a troubling self-importance. 

Another user described the post as a "baneful" statement from the U.S. government, criticizing the administration's apparent disregard for shame and moral values. Additionally, a third commentator condemned the act as disgraceful. 

The commenter stressed that his actions damage America's reputation internationally, particularly among the Catholic community still mourning the loss of a beloved religious leader.

The late Vatican City sovereign leader was interred on April 26, attended by numerous world leaders, including Trump in flesh. Unsurprisingly, the president faced criticism for allegedly violating the dress code at the funeral.

Following the burial, the conclave to elect the next Pope commenced on May 7. This significant election, which has lasted through the ages, involves around 100 cardinal electors who will gather in the sealed Sistine Chapel to cast their votes secretly. 

A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new Pope, marking the 267th leader in the history of the Catholic Church. Strict protocols are in place to prevent any communication with the outside world during this process. 

Once elected, the new Pope accepts his name and role, receives homage, and delivers the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, thereby officially assuming authority over the Catholic Church.

Congratulations to the new Pope and may his reign be blissful!