The New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan disapproved of the post by President Trump that featured an AI-generated image depicting himself as the pontiff, less than two weeks after the death of Pope Francis and just days before the Cardinals gather in the Vatican to elect a new Catholic leader.
From Rome, where he is attending the conclave, Dolan remarked that the image of Trump dressed as the pope "has not been appropriate", as reported by the agency EFE.
"As they would say in Italian, ‘he has made a bad impression’ (ha fatto una brutta figura)", stated the Archbishop of New York before the media.
When asked for his opinion on the post from Friday, Dolan replied that he hoped Trump "had nothing to do with that."
Questioned about whether he felt offended, he added: "Well, you know, that was not okay."
Dolan is part of Trump's Commission on Religious Freedom and has been an ally of the president. In December, he stated that Trump "takes his Christian faith seriously."
The cardinal is not the only one criticizing the image in which Trump appears dressed as the Pope. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, stated that the president should apologize.
"This is deeply offensive to Catholics, especially during this sacred time when we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of our new Pope," he stated in a communication on the social platform X.
The Catholic Conference of the State of New York also attacked the image, claiming that there is nothing "clever or funny" about it.
"We have just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to choose a new successor to Saint Peter," wrote the conference on X. "Do not mock us."
The image has been described as frivolous and disrespectful, especially as it coincides with a conclave that garners attention and respect on a global scale.
Last Wednesday, during a press conference at the White House, Trump responded to a question about the next Pope with a statement that caused a stir: "I would like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice."
Criticism quickly followed. “It is an impious provocation,” stated on X the account Republicans Against Trump, adding: “A convict who cheated on his wife with a porn star, mocking Catholic faith is an insult to millions.”
"I would be a great Pope," he stated with his usual self-confidence. Although he clarified that he doesn't have any clear favorites to succeed Francis, he did highlight Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
Dolan, who previously participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Francis, is a recognized figure in the American Church. On that occasion, he received a couple of votes during the early rounds, and now his name is circulating again - albeit moderately - in the speculation leading up to the conclave.
Frequently asked questions about the controversial image of Trump dressed as the Pope
Why has the image of Trump dressed as the Pope received criticism?
The image of Trump dressed as the Pope has been criticized for being seen as frivolous and disrespectful, especially during a time of mourning for the death of Pope Francis and during the conclave to elect his successor. Religious leaders like Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Thomas Paprocki have expressed their disapproval, pointing out that the image is offensive to Catholics.
How has Cardinal Timothy Dolan reacted to the image of Trump?
The cardinal Timothy Dolan, who is in Rome for the conclave, stated that the image "has not been good" and hopes that Trump had nothing to do with it. Dolan, who has been an ally of Trump, noted that the image has created a "bad impression" in the current context.
What other religious leaders have commented on the image of Trump as Pope?
In addition to Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield also criticized the image, stating that Trump should apologize for offending Catholics. The New York State Catholic Conference also expressed its disapproval, emphasizing that there is "nothing clever or funny" about the image.
What has been Trump's response to the criticism regarding the image?
At a press conference at the White House, Trump commented on the next Pope, saying that he would like to be Pope and that it would be his number one choice. Despite the backlash, this statement was made in a joking manner, which has generated even more controversy and headlines.
Filed under:
