Vance Fires Back After Trump’s AI ‘Pope Photo’ Sparks Backlash

Vice President JD Vance responded after an AI-generated image of President Donald Trump dressed as the Pope went viral and drew criticism from Trump opponents and religious commentators alike.

The image, shared across Trump’s accounts on Truth Social, Instagram, and X, showed the president in full papal regalia. While it was intended as a joke, the timing and content sparked immediate controversy — particularly among critics still mourning the recent passing of Pope Francis.

“Hey, @JDVance, you fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father?” posted Bill Kristol on X, a self-proclaimed conservative and former editor of the now-defunct Weekly Standard.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, replied sharply:
“As a general rule, I’m fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen,” he wrote — a not-so-subtle jab at Kristol’s role as a prominent backer of the Iraq War while serving as chief of staff to then-Vice President Dick Cheney.

Earlier this week, Vance shared his personal connection with Pope Francis, recalling that he had met with the pontiff just a day before his death.
“I was one of the last people to talk to him. I just take it as a great honor and a sign from God to remember that you never know when your last day on this Earth is,” he said.

Despite the backlash, several prominent Republicans brushed off the criticism, interpreting the photo as humorous political trolling.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) played along with the joke on X:
“Seeing is believing! A picture is worth a thousand words…. Glad to report there is very positive reception and strong momentum for President Trump to be the next Pope. But I will be first to admit there has been some resistance,” he wrote.
“Must keep your head down and plow forward — can’t let the naysayers win the day,” he added. “Next week is crucial as the papal conclave convenes…. More updates to come!”

When asked by reporters about his thoughts on the next pope, Trump leaned into the moment.
“I’d like to be Pope,” he quipped at the White House. “That would be my number one choice.”

The image’s origin remains unknown, and Trump offered no explanation or caption when he posted it. Even so, it was later reposted by official White House social media accounts, which only fueled the outrage.

Some critics, especially from left-leaning circles, labeled the post disrespectful. Many took issue with the fact it was shared so soon after Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday.

Former RNC chairman-turned-MSNBC commentator Michael Steele said the post was another example of how Trump is “unserious and incapable,” slamming the timing and content.

Italian politician Matteo Renzi, a center-left former premier, also joined the condemnation.
“This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around,” Renzi posted on X.
“Meanwhile, the US economy risks recession and the dollar loses value. The sovereignists are doing damage, everywhere.”

Still, most Republicans and conservative voters saw the humor in the post and rallied around Trump, seeing it as a satirical jab — especially given the frequent double standards in media coverage of religious mockery.

Sen. Graham continued the joke in a second post:
“I was excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope,” he wrote. “The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke … Trump MMXXVIII!”

Many users on X also pointed out the selective outrage, noting that similar critics remained silent when Christianity and the Catholic Church are targeted by more overt acts of blasphemy.