Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David has criticized US President Donald Trump for posting an AI-generated image of himself on papal attire, calling it disrespectful amid the Catholic Church’s mourning period for Pope Francis.
The image, showing Trump in a white cassock, a pointed miter, and a large cross, was posted on Trump’s social media and later reposted by the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the White House. It remained online as of this writing.
Cardinal David expressed his disapproval on Facebook, writing, “NOT FUNNY, SIR.”
The timing made it particularly offensive for many Catholics, as it was released during the Novemdiales — the traditional nine-day mourning period following the death of a pope — which ends 4 May.
Pope Francis passed away on 21 April after suffering a cerebral stroke, coma and cardiovascular collapse. World leaders, including Trump, attended 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. The solemn assembly will bring together 133 cardinal electors inside the Sistine Chapel, 80 percent of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines clarified there are no frontrunners, following media reports suggesting that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is favored to succeed Pope Francis.
Tagle, currently Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will assist Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell in conclave preparations. He will be joined by fellow Filipino electors Cardinal David and Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also urged Filipinos to pray for the conclave, calling it “a moment of deep spiritual importance” not just for Catholics but for all who seek peace and unity.
“As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a leader of faith and humility, we also enter a period of prayerful anticipation,” Go said. “Our cardinals are carrying the hopes of the Filipino people into the Sistine Chapel.”