Philippine cardinal slams Trump's AI papal image

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Philippines criticized former US President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal attire, calling it disrespectful and "NOT FUNNY, SIR."

The image, which showed Trump in a white cassock, a pointed miter, and a large cross, was posted on Trump's social media and reposted by the White House on X.

Cardinal David expressed his disapproval on Facebook, noting the post was particularly offensive as it was released during the Novemdiales, the traditional nine-day mourning period following Pope Francis's death.

Pope Francis passed away on 21 April after suffering a cerebral stroke, coma, and cardiovascular collapse, with world leaders including Trump attending his funeral in Vatican City.

As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, the Vatican announced that the conclave will begin Wednesday, 7 May, bringing together 133 cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines clarified there are no frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis, despite media reports suggesting Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is favored.