In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) can create photorealistic images in a matter of seconds, the question is not only what technology can accomplish, but also what we, as a people, must do with it.
The popular AI-generated image of Trump as Pope recently set off a controversy across social media, raising pressing legal, ethical, and religious concerns. While some people find it funny or imaginative, others question the legal, ethical concerns, and religious implications of such AI-generated content. Some dismissed it as innocuous satire, but others, especially from religious communities, were disturbed. But where do we draw lines legally, morally, and philosophically?
With some powerful AI technologies like Midjourney and DALL·E making it easier to produce hyper-realistic images, we are presented with a far more audacious question: Is it appropriate to depict a public figure like US President Donald Trump in religious attire, particularly as the Pope?
Is AI-Generated Image of Trump as Pope Legal?
By this far, most democratic nations, like the Philippines and the United States, do not have specific laws prohibiting the creation or dissemination of AI-generated images of public figures such as Donald Trump. There is a guarantee of freedom of expression. Parody and satire are typically covered by “fair use” or freedom of expression rules, and public figures have a lower expectation of privacy. Nonetheless, a number of legal issues need to be taken into account:
- Defamation and misrepresentation — The AI-generated image may be used illegally if it is used deliberately to harm someone’s reputation or mislead the public. In other words, the photo is made to look real and not visibly labeled as AI-generated, thus employing it to defame, mislead, or impersonate in manners that result in quantifiable harm.
- Deepfake laws — Although enforcement is still developing, many countries are introducing disinformation or deepfake laws to regulate AI-generated content that could be harmful.
- Platform guidelines — AI-generated photos that break the rules against impersonation or false information may be flagged or removed by social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter).
For most general users or ordinary citizens, reposting, posting, or sharing an AI-generated image of Trump as the Pope as satire or commentary is not typically punishable. It is, rather, protected under free speech, provided it is not used fraudulently. Users, however, need to be cautious about:
- Manipulation of context (if the AI-generated content is utilized to weaponize disinformation).
- Religious incitement in strictly blasphemous law countries (this is uncommon in the Philippines but applicable across the world).
Is It Unethical to Depict Donald Trump as the Pope?
From an ethical perspective, creating an AI-generated image of Trump, or indeed anybody, as the pope may be legal, but it, however, strikes sensitive cultural and religious notes. The portrayal of a polarizing political figure in the holy robes of the Pope may be seen as
- Offensive to the Catholic Church and its followers, as it may poke fun at the sacredness of the papal office.
- Misleading, particularly if it isn’t identified as an AI-generated picture.
- A type of political satire that, depending on the viewer’s perceived personal beliefs, might not be warmly accepted.
In light of this viewpoint, the following are the best practices for using AI-generated imagery in an ethical manner:
- Transparency — Indicate that the picture is artificial intelligence-generated.
- Intentionality — Steer clear of employing religious imagery only to provoke or offend, or for shock value or engagement.
- Audience Awareness — Before posting, consider the audience’s spiritual origins or cultural and religious sensitivities.
Should Trump’s Portrayal of the Pope in AI Images Offend Catholics?
Not necessarily. It varies depending on personal interpretation. But they are entitled to be. For faithful Catholics, the pope is not a man in white robes but the spiritual heir of St. Peter—the Vicar of Christ. A picture putting a polarizing person like President Donald Trump in papal attire might be a desecration of faith.
Yet Catholic doctrine itself encourages discernment, dialogue, and freedom of conscience. Though others might view such images as offensive or distasteful from a general perspective, the Church also advocates tolerance when confronted by mockery, unless it is hate-motivated. Therefore, seeing Trump, a non-Catholic political figure, depicted as the Pope could be seen as
- A violation of sacred imagery.
- A disgrace to the leadership of the Church.
- Others, on the other hand, could consider this to be purely satirical material that doesn’t merit any serious offense.
In general, the Catholic Church encourages tolerance and discernment. The offense is frequently subjective, influenced more by cultural and personal opinions than by doctrinal considerations, so long as the image is not blasphemous or malicious.
The Philosophical Perspective: Is It Unsuitable to Pose as the Pope on the Internet?
From a philosophical standpoint, AI-generated imagery calls into question the value of representation as well as the identity’s legitimacy or truthfulness. It is more than just political humor when Trump is portrayed as the Pope. Furthermore, it poses bigger questions:
- What does it actually signify to resemble someone other than who you really are?
- Can a picture be untruthful and yet show us deeper social truths?
- Does the sacred lose its sacredness when we digitize it, mock it, or remix it?
Essentially, such an image becomes a symbol, not of Trump as a religious figure, but of the power of imagery to challenge legitimacy, holiness, and authority. The Pope represents spiritual authority. Wearing his robes, even virtually, carries much more weight than simply dressing up as a celebrity or politician.
Compare that to generating AI photos of Trump as “Superman” or dressed like a monk. The papacy has religious significance, whereas superhero or generic costume edits do not. An AI impersonating the holy walks into an area that isn’t merely visual—it’s symbolic, existential, and even religious.
Religious personalities, especially the Pope, carry a much deeper symbolic significance than anyone else, and portraying someone in that same role may elicit strong reactions and ethical concerns. This is not, by far, the same as creating images of someone as a superhero or a barista, where the symbolism is considered less profound.
What Sets This Apart from Other Celebrity Photos Created by AI?
The key difference between portraying President Donald Trump as the Pope and other AI-generated celebrity images lies in the individualistic perceived context and generally accepted symbolism. For example:
- Trump as Superman = Satire and entertainment.
- Trump as a monk = Political or spiritual contrast.
- Trump as Pope = Challenges religious authority, sacred tradition, and identity.
Religious imagery is, perhaps and not generally, imbued with deeper meanings than most fictional or occupational depictions. This might be the reason why the portrayal of Trump as the Pope triggers heated ethical debates and reactions.
Final Thoughts: The Power and Responsibility of AI Creativity
The AI era is not an ungoverned frontier but a realm of adult digital citizenship. As digital creators and sharers, we need to inquire:
- Why am I creating or sharing this?
- Who could be hurt or confused by this?
- What does this convey?
The Trump-as-Pope AI image, while legal, serves as a reminder of how AI technology can challenge our cultural, religious, and ethical limits. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we must, therefore, consider:
- Creative freedom versus moral responsibility.
- Satirical expression versus religious respect.
- Digital experimentation versus critical thinking.
Whether the AI-generated image makes us laugh, raises concerns and questions, or leaves us indifferent, it signals a larger conversation: AI-generated content is not only about creating art or even manipulating art, but also about understanding and navigating our collective versus individualistic perceived values.
Finally, when it comes to that Trump-as-pope meme, it is a reminder that politics, humor, and religion may tend to collide in the digital arena. But with that collision comes a chance: to think, not blurt. ▲
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💬 AI Use Disclosure: This article is AI-assisted by ChatGPT (OpenAI) and is reviewed, edited, and refined by the author and editor of The Philippine Pundit.
References
- Binns, R. (2018). Human judgement in algorithmic decision making: The case of ‘ethics’. Minds and Machines, 28(4), 569–592. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-018-9451-8
- Chesney, R., & Citron, D. (2019). Deepfakes and the new disinformation war: The coming age of post-truth geopolitics. Foreign Affairs, 98(1), 147–155.
- McStay, A. (2021). Emotional AI: The rise of empathic media. SAGE Publications.
- Tiku, N. (2023, March 27). That AI-generated image of Pope Francis in a puffer jacket? Totally fake. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2020). Catholics and Social Media: Guidelines for Pastoral Ministry. https://www.usccb.org
- Vatican News. (2023, March 1). Pope Francis warns against misuse of technology and AI. https://www.vaticannews.va
- OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (May 6 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
Regel Javines is the founder and editor of The Philippine Pundit. Born in Leyte and raised by struggle, he writes truth from the margins—with conviction, clarity, and conscience. His work explores the intersections of politics, spirituality, and life’s deeper questions. Blogging since 2011, Regel has contributed incisive political analysis to global citizen journalism platforms, giving voice to stories often left unheard.