Catholic Secretariat Awaits Verification Before Addressing AI-Generated Trump Papacy Image

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has announced plans to issue a formal response to the controversial AI-generated image depicting former U.S. President Donald Trump dressed as the Pope. The Secretariat emphasized that any official statement would follow a thorough verification of the image’s authenticity and context.

Very Rev. Fr. Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the CSN, stated on Sunday that the Secretariat is currently investigating the origins and dissemination of the image. “I sent it to my ICT officer to verify the source and any associated promotions. Until I do, I can’t say anything definite,” Umoh explained.’

The AI-generated image, which portrays Trump in traditional papal regalia seated on a throne, was initially posted on Trump’s Truth Social account and subsequently shared by the official White House X account. The timing of the post, coinciding with the mourning period following Pope Francis’s death and just days before the conclave to elect his successor, has intensified the controversy.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, expressed his disapproval, describing the image as “god-awful” and an embarrassing act, using the Italian term “brutta figura.” He further commented, “I hope he didn’t have anything to do with that.

The New York State Catholic Conference also condemned the image, urging individuals not to mock the Church during this solemn time.

In defense of the post, Vice President JD Vance dismissed the backlash, stating he is “fine with people telling jokes.” ethical implications of AI-generated content, especially when it intersects with religious sensitivities. The Vatican’s recent doctrinal note, “Antiqua et nova,” addresses the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, warning against the creation of deepfakes and false information that can mislead the public and disrespect sacred institutions.

As the Catholic community awaits the CSN’s official stance, the episode underscores the need for responsible use of AI technology and the importance of respecting religious sentiments, particularly during periods of mourning and transition.