Donald Trump posts picture of HIMSELF as pope just a week after Francis' funeral - as cardinals gather to elect new leader of the Catholic Church
US President Donald Trump has posted an AI picture of himself as Pope only a week after the funeral of Pope Francis.
The Republican leader took to Truth Social to post the image, which shows him wearing a white papal hat, also referred to as a mitre, with a large crucifix dangles from his neck.
Trump had previously joked with reporters how he wouldn't be against succeeding the late Catholic leader, adding: 'I'd like to be Pope. That would be my number one choice.'
While chatting to reporters on the White House lawn, Trump said he did not have a preference on the next Pope, but quipped there was a 'very good' cardinal in New York.
It comes only one week after Pope Francis' funeral at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City as the conclave now gather to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church.
The 88-year-old passed away on Easter Monday after dedicating his 'entire life' to serving God and The Church. He spent his final hours with faithfuls, emerging to bless thousands of people in St Peter's Square.
Trump's post has been met with outrage online with several faithfuls branding the move as 'a great disrespect', urging the US President to remove the post immediately.
'Trump is literally mocking the Christian world with this image he shared,' one said: 'And on a day when Catholics are mourning the death of their spiritual leader, Pope Francis.'
'Is anyone else surprised that Trump would be so brazenly sacrilegious? Me either. Classless,' a second said.
'Trump, as someone outside the U.S., I find your post utterly disrespectful to the Catholic community worldwide,' a third added.
'The papacy is a sacred institution for millions, and this mockery is an affront to their beliefs.'
'Please take this down,' one follower pleaded: 'May Catholics myself included, find this a great disrespect to the past and future leader of our church.'
'Completely disrespectful. The Catholic community is mourning and you post this?'
However it isn't the only faux-pas the US President has appeared to commit in the wake of the Pontiff's death, as he was accused of breaking the dress code at Pope Francis' funeral by wearing a blue suite and tie.
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