Catholic bishops across New York have expressed strong disapproval of former President Donald Trump after he posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on social media. The digitally altered image, which quickly went viral, shows Trump in full papal regalia, seated on a throne—an act church leaders say is misleading and disrespectful.

In a joint statement, several clergy members called the post “spiritually inappropriate” and “deeply offensive,” accusing Trump of trivializing religious symbols for political gain. “The papacy is not a costume or a meme—it represents sacred authority and centuries of faith,” one bishop noted.

While Trump has not responded to the backlash, critics argue the post reflects a growing trend of using AI to manipulate public perception, especially in political spheres. The image has reignited conversations about the ethical use of AI and the need for discernment in the digital age.