A newly posted photograph by US President Donald Trump, where he can be seen in papal vestments, created a huge frenzy and varied opinions on social media.
According to Newsweek, the photo that was posted both on Trump's personal social media account as well as on the White House handle generated a wave of indignation and adoration among social media users. Some were quick to label it as "cosplaying as the next Pope," especially because just a few days ago, Trump was joking about being his own "number one pick" for Pope.
The timing of the post is telling, being posted just a few days ago when the Vatican cardinals will start the process of electing Pope Francis's replacement, who passed away on April 21. President Trump was among world leaders who attended the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square on April 26.
Trump shared the photo on Friday at 10:29 PM without any caption or comment, and the reaction was immediate and split on the web. Newsweek described that they phoned the Vatican immediately after the posting to get a response.
Earlier on April 29, Trump made headlines when he told a reporter, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my number one choice.” When asked about who should replace the late Pope, Trump responded, “I have no preference,” but did mention a New York-based cardinal who he believed was very capable.
The image quickly went viral, with social media users sharing a mix of jokes, memes, and criticisms. One of them, Lepus (@LepusNox), condemned the post, saying, "As President of the United States, posing with himself as Pope a week after the Pope died is not humorous, nor is it indicative of statesmanship or behavior with regard. Rather, it is indicative of the boundless arrogance and childishness of a man who believes he is above everything else, can do as he pleases, and dictates to everyone."
Comedian Terrance K Williams tweeted on X, "Pope Trump. Lol our President just put this up. He's trolling because he knows the media will lose their minds. Love it. Actually, I love the ring of King Trump, the first of his name."
Former Democratic congressional candidate Melanie D'Arrigo also condemned outrage on X, saying, "The man who broke all 10 commandments is taking selfies dressing up as the next Pope."
Therese Clarke, who is an Egyptologist on X, was shocked, describing the image as "truly disgraceful" and an insult to late Pope Francis. She went on to say, "I can withstand truckloads of religion jokes, but this one is truly shameful - an insult to late Pope Francis. It's on Donald Trump's official Instagram account. The man wasn't even able to follow the protocols advised by the Holy See, slept during the funeral mass and now commits this."
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