As cardinals at the Vatican ready for a conclave to select the next pope, Catholics around the world were shocked to see President Trump post an AI-generated image of himself as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The photo, posted by Trump on Truth Social and reposted by the official White House account on Twitter/X, prompted a range of spirited reactions across the faith spectrum.
It also sparked some interesting questions: On topics of faith, where is the line between humor and offense? Should world leaders be posing as religious figures? And is making jokes so soon after death of Pope Francis even appropriate in the first place?
What Catholic Leaders Say
The immediate reaction from Catholic leaders was less than enthusiastic. Cardinal Timothy Dolan called it “brutta figura,” an Italian phrase that has various translations, among them “making a fool of oneself” and "crude image."
But others took a stronger stance. Bishop Robert Barron called it a “bad joke” and “offensive”:
Bishop Thomas Paprocki offered even sharper criticism, saying it was “deeply offensive” and accused the president of “mocking God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy.”
Bigger Concerns?
Jesuit priest James Martin gave another view, encouraging fellow Catholics to take a charitable interpretation of the image while also offering a counterfactual:
Still others say that while the image is offensive, there are bigger things to worry about:
Administration Responds
As criticism poured in, Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, was directly challenged about whether he thought this image was “mocking the Holy Father.”
Vance responded by saying he was “fine with people telling jokes”:
Today, Trump himself responded to criticism, lamenting the fact that Catholics “can’t take a joke” and insisting that the “Catholics loved it.”
Was It Appropriate?
Those defending the image see it as a harmless joke, an attempt at humor from an administration that has frequently positioned itself as an enemy of “wokeness” and political correctness.
But based on the Catholics speaking out, it’s also clear that many think it crossed a line. From the timing – right after the death of a widely-loved pope, to the imagery – a politician who critics see as oppositional to Catholic values dressed as the leader of their faith.
What is your reaction?
119 comments
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Nicholas J Page
I'm a Christian English man and Trump makes a mockery out of everything, every day.So to pose as a Pope is sacrilege
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Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
I am not Catholic. But I'm RESPECTFUL of other religions. Considering the fact I do not believe he has EVER read a book, let alone a Bible of any sort, I consider this straight up blasphemy!!! He claims to be "Christian". I do not believe it! That picture proves it!!
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DeadEyeDave
This may explain his behavior. For diagnosis, a person must display 5 or more of these traits. Narcissistic personality disorder is a lifelong mental health disorder. However, treatment might help manage symptoms and reduce the impact the condition may have on self-esteem, work, and relationships.
However, someone with NPD isn’t likely to reach out for professional support. Derhally and Hollman point out people with narcissistic personality typically can’t recognize the disorder in themselves.
This lack of insight is often a defining feature of NPD and may be the reason people with the disorder don’t feel the need to see a therapist. When someone with the disorder does reach out for help, progress may be limited and span years.
The 12 Traits of NPD.
- Gross Sense of Entitlement
A gross sense of entitlement is one of the main defining traits of a narcissist, as narcissists tend to believe they’re far superior to others and deserving of special treatment. This inflated belief leads most narcissists to believe that their needs should be met without question.
- Need for Admiration or Attention
Narcissists need admiration or attention to validate their existence. They regularly strive for praise and recognition, often at the expense of those around them.
- Lack of Empathy
Lack of empathy is another defining trait of narcissists who battle to comprehend or care about other people’s feelings. This indifference can manifest as harmful behaviors such as manipulation, poor listening skills, victim-blaming, and minimal forgiveness.
- Fragile Self-Esteem
Despite their facade of confidence, narcissists usually have fragile self-esteem because their sense of worth depends on external validation. Therefore, they’re quite sensitive to rejection, criticism, or perceived failure and typically react to such outcomes defensively to maintain their self-image.
- Feelings of Arrogance & Superiority
Narcissists display feelings of arrogance and superiority, believing they’re better than others. This attitude can mask deeper insecurity or fear and often alienates the people around them.
- Manipulative & Exploitive Behavior
Manipulative and exploitative behavior is a common trait among narcissists because they often use others to achieve their own goals. Narcissists may deceive or manipulate others for personal gain, often damaging relationships and trust.
- Envy & Belief in Others Envy
Narcissists often experience envy towards the success of others while also believing that people are envious of them. This contradiction of thoughts fuels their competitive nature, and many narcissists may attempt to undermine others to maintain their ‘perceived’ superiority.
- Obsession With Power & Success
An obsession with power and success is the driving force behind many narcissists’ goals. A narcissist will often forsake ethics and personal relationships and fixate on achieving status, wealth, or some type of control.
Lack of Boundaries Narcissists tend to have a lack of respect for personal boundaries and may intrude on others’ privacy, time, and space. This type of violation can be frustrating and often leads to conflicts in personal and professional relationships.
Emotional Volatility
Emotional volatility is a trait where narcissists experience mood swings and intense emotional reactions, sometimes for even the simplest of reasons. Their emotions can shift dramatically from confidence to rage when their self-esteem is threatened, making their behavior unpredictable and a challenge to navigate.
- Fear of Loss or Rejection
Narcissists have a deep-seated fear of loss or rejection, which can influence many of their controlling or manipulative behaviors. Narcissists may act out when they feel something is a threat to their relationships or status.
- Relationship Issues
Narcissists often struggle with keeping healthy relationships and may be manipulative. Narcissists have great trouble sustaining healthy relationships due to their self-centered behavior and lack of regard for others’ feelings. Their manipulative actions and inconsistent emotions can push others away, meaning that over time, they might find themselves isolated or in toxic relationships.
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William Christian Theile III
I have often wondered what his mental state is and you nailed it, thank you!
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Minister Tim
As William said, you nailed it. I have seen all 12 traits displayed by him and not once or twice, nearly every day (I say nearly as I don’t watch the news). Thank you.
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Timothy C Stone
You can also plug in his personality to SOCIOPATH.
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Chris
I didn't find it offensive, just in very poor taste. He slept through the Pope's funeral, which was disrespectful in itself. And while he may not have actually generated the photo, for him to share it and claim people love it is in bad taste. It's hilarious to see some of the pictures his cult members come up with. They're all laughable, but this one should have been skipped. I know his cult members see him as a messiah, but this is too far.
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ServantOfJudgement
I agree, very poor form. I've got Catholic relatives. Even though they're blind voters and would have voted for a president with dementia or one that's on acid flashback mode, their faith is very clear to them. Understandably they're very distraught over it.
Lots of people confuse or assume a trump voter is a maga or cultist. Maga is a presidential slogan like Hope was for Obama. We all like hope and I'd hope we'd all want our country to be great though great is perspective based.
Indeed you're right about cult followers of Trump, identical to Biden or harris cultists unable to see his broken mind or her textbook case of bleach blond mind syndrome.
They can't see anything negative with their idol. Both totally blow my mind.
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Daniel Todd Kamm
Donald Trump is under the control of others... a figurehead, short of political stature, short of what mind he has left, and less short of whatever meds are used to control him.
That is one scenario.
The other is that he is truly an authoritarian pushing the boundaries of power and seeking the humiliation if not destruction of his perceived enemies..
Sounds like many others in the course of our histories any way you choose.
No matter what they call themselves, a Nazi is a Nazi... Christian "Nationalists" are Nazis hence the term... a problem in the past just as they are now.
You can't win the hearts and minds of these people. Like Crusaders and other Christian idolaters of old, they find significance only in the destruction of their perceived enemies... they make a small victory for themselves... and then they pass away, violently or peacefully, like we all do....
Ashes, dust, smoke, brain cells, whatever... the felon is a big enough problem by himself, his others worse... the addition of advanced AI to the mix is extremely dangerous... way beyond whether anyone can "take a joke" or whether the Catholics "loved it...."
Please... either way, he and his compatriots are too many wild cards dangerous, and that will ruin the game.
Peace OUT tk
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ServantOfJudgement
There'll be no getting through but sometimes it's fun to try.
All presidents are supposed to put their country first. It's kinda like the rule and stuff. Like a dad putting his family ahead of a strangers family. 101 type stuff. Every single public office holder is also held to the same standard. Every single service member is held to the exact same standard. By your(hive mind) reckoning Daniel, every single Democratic political is a nationalist Nazi. Did you ever take an oath for the country? I hope not, it would make you a nationalist.
We were promised by the hive mind that trumps first term would end the nation. The drones naturally behaved accordingly and like Jehovah's Witnesses began canvasing repeating what the master said to repeat. The promise was broken. Trump even failed to ruin the economy like promised.
All the fear mongering the media did to the lemmings were just shallow promises.
Danger to illegal aliens, yep. Danger to men in woman's sports, yep. Danger to deep staters, yep. Danger to corruption, yep. Danger to unfair trading, yep. Danger to anarchists, yep. Danger to over taxation, yep. Danger to lots of stuff the walking dead guy and space cadet grew.
Danger to some is a checkmark on the ballot box to wise American voters. We're tired of paying for the corruption. We don't want girls faces getting punched off. We like it when human trafficking, wife beating gang members get sent to their home country.
Thank God we've got a president who cares about my country, it's been a long while.
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Patricia Ann Gross
SOJ, the falacy in your "country first" logic is that Trump may be putting the country first, but he is doing at the expence of the people who make up the country. It's like the "family first" dad that beats his child into submission, because maybe it will make him a better person. Too often, however, that abused child turns on the dad or lashes out and beats someone else's kid to a pulp because that is the example his father set for him. There has to be a balance, and that is Trump's biggest fault. It's the attitude of "my way or the highway." No balance or room for error. There is no room for push back, no room for resistance, no room for negotiation, because "daddy knows best." Hounding Zelinsky for a "thank you" was the worst show of this mindset I have ever seen in my lifetime by any politician. Firing (or threatening to fire) judges who did not agree with him is proof of his narcisistic tendencies. Furthermore, televising a foreign policy decision with baited questions by the press (asking Zelensky why he didn't wear a suit, for example), put foreign relations into nothing more than another episode of the boardroom on The Apprentice.
Is there any chance of Trump even to be considered to be the Pope? I seriously doubt it,but I have been wrong about these things before, as I am not clairvoyant. It might be a breath of fresh air for him to resign to become the leader of the largest Christian denomination of which I have no affiliation, except his replacement (JD Vance) might actually be worse, if that is even possible.
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Andrew F Tatler-Burgess
Your country Hmmm...
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Colleen McAllister
Too soon for such mockery. Bad taste at any time. And this shows tRump's audacity to see himself in the role of a Pope. This post must have really fed his enormous ego. Just one more example of tRump's disregard for anyone but himself.
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ServantOfJudgement
Our President seems to not want my daughters face getting broke by a 6 foot 5 inch 230 pound dude in a dress.
So he cares about himself and my daughter. Oh and my neighbors daughter too. Three of my brothers have daughters, I suppose our president cares about them too.
I'm glad we finally hav a president that cares about our daughters and one that doesn't receive special favors from young interns under the desk of the oval office.
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Rev. Kev
No. He doesn't care at all. He feels nothing for others. One example of this comes from his first term. He wanted to nuke N. Korea, then blame it on some other nation. When told that would result in the expiration of millions of people he stared blankly. He didn't understand the point. Needless loss of life meant nothing to him. His security adviser realized the way to get through to DJT is appeal to his ego. So they told him if he didn't nuke N. Korea but made moves for peace, he would be seen as the greatest salesman on Earth. THAT was what got a result.
The whole trans issue isn't about caring for others. DJT simply has the skill of a seasoned con man to know what hot buttons to hit. He understands his base and exactly what to say to earn their votes and money. Just like his admission that he knew that "groceries" was a winner hot button and hit it over and over to win. He doesn't care about the topic at all. We can see that in real time. Now he just tells people they have to suck it up and deal with not having enough consumer goods or food. Tighten your belts. Get by with less. Things he will never have to do so it doesn't bother him.
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Edwin Jovanni Aguiar
This is not something a President. Should be doing especially disrespecting past popes and future popes. Especially that other people here have said that he fell asleep through the Pope's funeral, He shouldn't be posting things like this or any other things. Cause this is really disrespectful, especially being a catholic myself I'm pretty sure he would not like anybody.Posting a picture of them in the oval office Please learn to respect. Others mister president if you want them to respect you
Minister Edwin jovanni aguiar
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John W
I'm sorry, but behavior like this doesn't cut it for the President of the United States. This isn't like actor Don Novello and his Father Guido Sarduchi character that treated the Catholic Church with a bit of tongue in cheak levity. Though some hard-core believers have elevated the current President to a diety like figure, he is but a mere mortal and a deeply flawed human being. The President of the United States is expected to be the model of decorum and decency not only to the nation but to the world and should seek to be example of a leader that others should hope to aspire to be, not a person who mocks others and acts as if the Presidency is some 5th rate reality television show filled with a cast of clowns.
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Donald James Hoover
Pope Ignoramus the First. Tasteless, senseless and moronic. Pray for our nation. This is the work of a twelve year old mind; I’m sorry to insult the twelve year olds of the world.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
Let's presume it was a joke, just to play devil's advocate, and yes I am comparing Vance to the devil:
So the President of the United States made a public joke about himself taking over the most revered position of a faith of which he is not a member, right after the man who was in that most highly revered position died. He posted a picture of himself, an outsider, in that dead man's place.
As jokes go, that was a ******, insensitive, cruel, mocking joke. From our POTUS. That's the pinnacle of disrespect and vulgarity. So, Vance, you think its okay for people to make gross jokes at the expense of people who are mourning.
He shows the true heart of the President, and his own. Evil.
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William Christian Theile III
Nobody has said this but I will: Antichrist is my opinion! He tells us he is a Christian but doesn’t go to church, there is a photo where he held up a bible, backward, but this idea of a joke is just disgusting and should require an apology! Strictly an opinion!
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Danielle Elizabeth Ostach
This is just first step, I am waiting for Trump to post image of himself as God, that is how he sees himself. I can't wait until this clown is impeached and out of office.
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Brother Peter
To paraphrase the book of Proverbs: "when you court a hurricane, you'll inherit the wind." Our nation elected this fool, and now we get to inherit the results of his madness. Let's hope our country survives the next 3+ years .
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Mark Hannon
All these AI produced pictures of Pres. D. Trump are complimentary to him. He's always buff and his head of hair, usually, is full. His jowls don't hang down and he doesn't have bags under his eyes. They match his social media teenage girl persona.
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
"Bruta figura" says it all. This crude gesture isn't surprising from an egomaniac and psychopath who knows no self-restraint --- or respect for others. The puzzling question: while reviewing the multi-million dollar military parade on his birthday will be dressed like the Pope or a be-medaled general --- or simply like God. . . .
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Brother Peter
This is an embarrassment to our nation. Trump is a godless fool. Pray for our country.
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ServantOfJudgement
Was the Catholic president who took showers with his pre teen daughter, agreed with chopping babies from the womb and letting boys break girls faces in girls only sports godless? What about letting illegals in the country to rape and mutilate our women, is that godless or goodness?
I'd love to read your most exquisite tap dancing answer.
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Janet Marie Brookey
But sexual deviants who attack and sexually assault women are ok? Convicted felon (for multiple counts of fraud) is ok? Proven liars are ok? Authoritarians are ok? Homophobes are ok? Perhaps you should rethink your heroes. Most crimes are committed by US citizens, not immigrants. But let's not dwell on that as it's better to deflect and redirect the blame, right? Ask Trump. He and his cronies have committed plenty so they know from experience.
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Rev. Kev
Is perpetuating conspiratorial innuendo and accusations that serve no constructive purpose godless or goodness?
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak." Matthew 12:36
"But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:16
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8
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Deborah Jane Vogel
This is just another example of Donald Trump’s narcissistic delusions of superiority, royalty, if not deity. 25th amendment, anyone?
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Rev. Kev
This really was one of those "too soon" moments to even attempt a joke. Not that I can see any humor in it to begin with. I also don't take it seriously at all.
His reaction to comments also displays the lack of compassion one would expect from a Christian. Not that I have ever confused DJT with being a Christian. So no surprises there.
I'm betting he is in love with the idea of wearing gold vestments, sitting on a throne, and receiving the adulation of large crowds of believers. But I am positive he would never get on his knees and wash the feet of poor people (as Pope Francis did before and after his election to Pontiff) or extol the virtues of charity to the needy, or preach on the negative impact of capitalism in our world.
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Amber Fry
Nope. It was a disgusting and disrespectful thing to do, especially during the mourning period of the recent loss of a pope. We don't get unity in the country by continuing to allow this kind of behaviour, especially from so called leaders. Regardless of who did it, he shouldn't have reposted it.
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Steven L. Sanfilippo
Although I may be attacked and demeaned for my opinion and comments, I still feel I should share. As a Christian and Ordained Minister, I feel we should do our best to try and set a good example. I know I am not without sin and need God in my life to help guide me, each and everyday. I'm quite disappointed in many of the comments on this subject. May I remind you, disappointment is not judgment. As humans who are far from perfect, like Jesus Christ, Our Savior is, we often do and say things he would be disappointed with. Regardless how you feel about a person, including President Trump, I personally feel some of the statements aren't the most Christian way to speak. Again, it is my opinion and I don't condemn anyone here for what they say, I simply share my opinion, in hopes that it helps to guide you to be a good loving Christian. God Bless You!
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William Christian Theile III
You are right! “Who are we to judge?”
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Charles G Sanders III
I was born a catholic, went to catholic schools, kindergarten thru high school, and I think the president’s post was hilarious. Frankly, our last revered Pope was a disaster. He was a woke radical that shifted the church out of its proper place and was way too political. While it was a joke, frankly I think Trump would have done a better job. But, he is way too valuable as President of the United States to muck about with the remains of the Catholic Church.
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James G. Ward
This issue belies the truth of trumps self image. He believes he is has no moral limit! It is not OK! I am not Catholic but I am pro-religious freedom and even pro-religious integration and learning. Nothing within my belief system would consider this a normal or acceptable behavior from our nations supposed leader. The question, "Who does he think he is?" comes to mind and he often foolishly answers it!
Off topic is our military! A man with the sociopathic tendencies that Trump has should never be in control of such an armed force. He has slowly and insidiously removed our military leadership from key positions and is replacing them with personnel that are pro-Trump. A parade of military equipment and personnel on the 14th is an insult to those of us who served! I served for almost 16 years of combine service until my service caused me to become physically and emotionally ill. I am insulted by military leaders who would use our sacrifices to make Trump look powerful. I pray that as Americans come together and say, "No!"
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Christiana Elizabeth Ostrander
That is completely disgusting, disturbing, so inappropriate. How far will trump go to get attention? Enough is enough with this man.
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Herbert Moore
who can evaluate what someone mentally ill will proclaim. It may free Melania.
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
"Bruta figura" says it all. This crude gesture isn't surprising from an egomaniac and psychopath who knows no self-restraint --- or respect for others. The puzzling question: while reviewing the multi-million dollar military parade on his birthday will be dressed like the Pope or a be-medaled general --- or simply like God. . . .
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Kathleen McLaughlin
So embarrassing. Is anything secret with that man. Then the little boy got caught and blamed someone else
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Merlin
It's all about respecting other's beliefs. Joking is so disrespectful, especially after a death.
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Pastor Scott
Oh great. Another site I cross off my list. I'm so sorry to see ULC choose to put this on here. Everyone knows this is controversial, and posting about this just lights a fire. Shame on you ULC. Disappointed and outta here.
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Janet Marie Brookey
We should not shy from controversy. It should be discussed. All sides heard, respectfully. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -author unknown (formerly credited to Edmund Burke).
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Rev. Mojo
What do you expect from him? The Narcissist in Action!!! He was SO wrong on SO many different levels; that I cannot even start. Those who know....know!!!!
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James A
Elect a clown, get a circus.
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Minister Bruce Kirwan
How can a convicted felon supposedly represent Christianity like this?
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David Cuevas
Trump was voted into Office for a Reason, not everyone is going to like it, but when your dealing with Presidents and a Dictator that only Respect Power, Money and Discipline then Trump is the business man to deal with them.
Not everyone is going to like his ideas, not everyone is going to like how he goes about implementing them but he is getting it done the best way any one in his position can go.
Don't act like you all have the answers because you don't. He listens and does, he may screw up and he may succeed. You have to take away from some place to give to others, it's not easy, if it was everyone can do it.
As far as being the next Pope. That is way out of line and blasphemous and I'm not touching that part.
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Rev. Kev
He was voted into office for a reason. He even said what it was: Groceries. He promised to lower food prices and make America affordable again. Which he backpedaled on right after he was elected.
Now here we are. DJT telling the American people that they will "feel a a little pain" and things will get more expensive. But we have to learn to get by with less and maybe not eat as much. Unemployment is on the rise. The stock market is swinging back and forth (which demotes an unstable economy that worries investors and makes it impossible for corporations to plan ahead). Major retailers have already said they will have less inventory on their shelves as supplies dry up. Many investors have already ditched the USD and Treasury bonds. He has made an enemy of our global allies to the point where they are looking to China for trade over America. Our allies have already stopped sharing intelligence with us, which adversely impacts our national security. He turned a growing economy that was praised as a model for the global economy into one that is beginning to retract and where economists are seriously discussion recession.
In short, he made a lot of promises to get elected with no intention of doing any of them. This administration is just a money grab by the oligarchs. DJT IS "a Dictator that only Respect Power, Money".
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Patricia Ann Gross
DJT wants to run the country like a business. Ross Perot didn't get elected on the same assertion, because back then everybody knew that a business/company is not a democracty, it is a dictatorship, and Ross Perot was the poster child for a dictator. Unfortunately, tRump has somehow been able to make people forget this fact.
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Timothy C Stone
tRUMP is the corrupt president and dictator you are referring to. Do you really think he was elected to destroy our country crash our economy and grift as much money as he can. Do you believe the majority of our country want to insult and break away from our international allies. Do you want to cheerlead Putin and send more military aid to Netanyahu the genocidal terrorist in Israel? tRUMP is a convicted criminal a sexual predator and a draft dodger and a business failure. Forget it, there isn't enough room here for all my points to make and you just can't debate stupid.
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Scott R Wedner
With people of evil intent, if people are offended then it’s always was meant to be a joke. This was no joke.
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Shawn James Walsh
Donald Trump is a liar and knew about this and reposted it.
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Rev Nolan
I think the image is befitting the brutta figura person. That’s what Anti-Christs do… and Donald John Trump is this generation’s Anti-Christ.
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William Clifford
I’ll bet he daren’t post a photo of himself as Mohammed. I’d love to see the reaction to that.
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James Roosevelt Thaxton Jr
Trump and MAGA supporters frequently cross lines they shouldn't and attack those who call them out on their acts. It's their playbook to invalidate the news or individuals who call them into question. I do find the photo irreverent and in poor taste and timing.
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Rev Samantha Counihan
no the "leader" of a country cant be a religious leader in fact there is no religious leaders, for one hes not ordained, and two hes a nazi practicing nazism because hes from germany, and thats offensive to the catholics pope that passed away and its not funny to joke about the dead
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ServantOfJudgement
This will be a good litmus test for both sides of the aisle.
The left loves it when people make fun of Christians and especially Catholicism. When the cross dressing nons crotch grind the crucifix it's applauded. It's art. Naturally this is slammed by the right.
We should see the left applaud trump and the right slam trump. We won't though.
This is very poor form and not becoming of a President. It's an insult to the average Catholic's faith and obviously so.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
I’m not sure where you got the lie that “the left loves it when people make fun of christians and especially catholicism.”
What you fail to recognize is that there is a gigantic difference between true, honest, loving, authentic, genuine Christians (which includes some who are liberal) and the christian nationalists who are the very definition of hateful, evil, and disgusting.
I know a Christian when I see one. They walk the walk and talk the talk. I also know a christian nationalist when I see one. They hate those who love Christ. They hate those who are living in poverty, are disabled, homeless, and non-white. They hate the LGBTQ+ community. They hate Diversity, Equality, and inclusion.
That’s an awful lot of hate.
I do agree with your closing statement.
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ServantOfJudgement
I got that notion right here Elizabeth. I read the words of my fellow bloggers and I pay attention to understand them. To learn their perspective.
Already members here that praised the Sisterhood of Perpetual Indulgence for crotch grinding a cross while dressed as a transvestite nun condemned President Trump for being distasteful and disrespectful. When the transvestites do this it's art. When the president they didn't vote for does it it's offensive.
May I say very kindly, putting your face in a pope costume is a tad different than crotch grinding the cross Jesus hung from is it not? Still both are offensive.
Sorry about that. No orange face hating member here is what they think they are. They're what they think Christians are. Dang good at it too. Jesus said this would happen 2000 years ago. Fake Bible or not, Jesus said it would be this way and it is.
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Rev. BH
SoJ, You seem to have too much interest in crotch grinding. May you find peace.
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Rev. Kev
The biggest issue I have with your comment is lumping people into two convenient labels. Not everyone is obsessed with politics or sees everything through political lenses. Many people don't fit into distinct groups. They have both "right' and "left" positions of different topics.
Liking or not Liking DJT isn't necessarily a political position. Consider that some people do not now, nor before he was ever elected the first time, like him as a human being. They saw his personal qualities and found them lacking. People on either "side of the aisle" can find both things you mentioned as equally offensive or inappropriate.
I know our modern culture and media try to portray everyone as a limited stereotype. Makes it easier to level silly accusations and tell lies about an entire group of total strangers. But, as with all broad stereotypes, they don't fit everyone and are more often completely false than true. In the end, such ventures tell us more about the people perpetuating such fallacies (and attempts to dehumanize others by making them blank faces in some imagined collective) than it does the people they try to demean.
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Cyril R. VanKeirsbelk
You have no idea what the Left loves. How could you? You don't listen to what they have to say, you only listen to those who purportedly tell you what they say.
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Patricia Ann Gross
SOJ, I absolutely agree with your very last statement.
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Lori-Ann Neeb
While I agree the photo is just another trump bad joke played on Americans. You can't say everyone against him hates Christians. That is his doing to . Fill heads with that B's to keep his rabbit hole followers riled up and split the nation in half. All organized religion is man made so subject to human faults. Only faith which comes from the heart and knows right from wrong really matters. That is why there are those calling themselves Christian commiting all forms of hateful acts. They do it in God's name so they think that makes it all right. There are also good, spiritual people who practice a Christian faith. So stop focusing on manmade regions as the root cause of everything. They are just where some followers of said religion go to join with similar believers. It all depends on the people. Everything always boils down to the spiritual hearts of the people or lack of that makes the difference.
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David W. Dube
tRump is a clown. You can't expect anything other than stuff like this from him and his administration. Gods Will Be Done!
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Alexander Clarke
No!
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Joseph Knopick
That is insane.
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Donald A Hager
TRUMP DID NOT DO, AND YOU IDIOTS ARE forceing the LIE. It was known and done by a DEEP STATE FAKE generator. Stop with the CNN and MSNBC propaganda. If you can seperate fact from fiction you need to shut this site down. I am very dissapointed in some of the garabge you repete.
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Rev. Kev
It's rather ironic to post about lies and separating fact from fiction, then go off about the "deep state".
What lie are you even referring to in your first statement? That he reposted the image in question on his social media site? Because, as far as I know, that is a true statement. Same with the statement that it was also reposted to the WH page.
The select responses are all true quotes, as far as I know.
So what alleged CNN and MSNBC "propaganda" generated your response?
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Janet Marie Brookey
What lie is being forced? Who's really the idiot? The people who are condemning the offensive meme or the people defending such an outrage? Propaganda? Trump posted it on Truth Social so that blows a hole in your theory. The White House posted it too. Again, your propaganda theory is in the toilet. You seem to be one of the few who can't separate fact from fiction. If you can't handle truth, a spiritual leader you are not. The truth is TRUMP posted it, whether or not he generated it is beside the point. At least no one is watching Fox.
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Don Carlo Battaglia
I love it. A stick in the eye to all the right-wing fascist-loving catholics, including the SCOTUS toadies. This is your hero -- your god-sent savior on earth. So, how do you like him now?
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Janet Marie Brookey
All religions and spiritual paths should be respected, whether or not you agree with the teachings. The path you follow may be just as offensive to others as Catholics are to you.
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David McHaley
I am sick of the lies the media put out there. Trump had nothing to do with this picture. It was a meme posted on social media. And of course the left is making it seem like he is the culprit. You can see that in the comments. People just taking the media at their word. After the last eight years of lies by the media about President Trump, that have been proven as lies, the bobble heads still believe them.
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Freeman Andrew Morey
He reposted it and allowed it on his account. If you saw the same picture with you as the Pope would you have reposted it? He is the poster child for bad decisions as well as being a traitor and a criminal. if you believe him over the media, or anyone else for that matter you need to search harder and try harder to put Jesus in your life.
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Rev. Kev
What lies, exactly? This article does not say DJT made the image. Simply that he reposted it on his social media and it was reposted on the WH page. Which, as far as I know, are accurate statements.
I can't speak for all forms of media everywhere, but I haven't seen any legitimate news sources with editorial guidelines to follow say he made it, either.
Lastly, "the left" is a meaningless term for some nebulous group of unknown people who all supposedly think the same way and do the same things. One could replace "the left" with "the flurgidites" and it would carry the same validity and value.
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Janet Marie Brookey
It doesn't matter who created the image. He posted it! He could have chosen not to post it but posted it anyway. Therefore, he's just as guilty as the person who created it. It's offensive either way. The shame falls on Trump and the White House. Exactly what do you call a legitimate news source?
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Rev. Kev
I agree with you. My comment was addressing the accusation of lies that I don't see present in the article.
Legitimate news sources are those that work to publish sourced and verified facts. Their editorial guidelines require verification of assertions and quotes to assure the articles they publish are as true as can be substantiated at the time of publication. Such agencies will readily make retractions and corrections if shown to be incorrect in any details. The best sources, such as NPR and Reuters, tend to have as little bias as possible and high factuality in their content.
At least that's how I define legitimate sources.
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Timothy C Stone
He could have done the righteous thing and commented against it and said it was inappropriate, but he is incapable of doing anything that would negate praise for himself.
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Rev. Donut
It's OK.
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Allen W. Sanderson
I've been a member of the ULC for around 30 years now, done a few handfasts and marriages... I've always been fairly casual, wearing a simple dicky when doing a service, studying, or doing work related to the cloth... Other than that, I'm just a simple, retired, civilian.
The photo & it's bruha aside, I actually hold the ULC accountable. Anyone, Trump included, can make and account and sign in, and with a few clicks, become and actual, credentialed religeous entity. A priest, a monk, a cardinal, a jedi, and yes, even the pope....
I guarantee you, 75% of the people here have never read the bible. Of the 25% that have, maby 5% have put the time into learning what it all actual means....
Honestly, some form of test should be required to earn the right to basic membership. Each level would require a harder test... Level 1; Apprentice Apostle. Level 2; Apostle. Level 3; Monk. Level 4; priest. Cardinal should be at least an 8... Minor dieties 10-50....
The word and cloak of God should be respected. It shouldn't look like a 3 ring circus... I don't care about your pronouns or choice of lifestyle, just please, respect the Word, respect the cloth.... Don't use it for some colorful party favor.
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Janet Marie Brookey
Tests and levels? I have read the Bible (many versions ) from beginning to end many times. I know it better than my phone number. The same with the Qur'an, the Torah, Tao Te Ching, and many other religious texts. I have a Master's degree in Comparative Religion. Religious texts are open to interpretation. Take your Bible (which may have chapters added, depending on religion) for instance. Interpretations vary from church to church. Catholics interpret the lessons a bit differently from Pentecostals. The Qur'an is interpreted differently between different forms of Islam. So, whose interpretation of the Bible should be used? Why is that version best? ULC is perfect because it doesn't demand that you follow any particular version or interpretation.
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Timothy C Stone
So you want the ULC to become what it was founded NOT to be. And would you be the executor to establish what questions to ask and what the correct answers should be? And yes, thank you Janet Marie Brookey, which of the over 50 versions of the Bible will be used?
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Father Flanagan
Of course it should be ok, it’s a JOKE just like the Catholic and ALL other religions - get over it or go complain to your imaginary friend!
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Janet Marie Brookey
Mockery of a religion should NEVER be ok.
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William H. Cassing
He said he had nothing to do with it! Why do you keep asking/blaming him? Is this judgment or hypocrisy?
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James A
Why would anyone believe a serial liar?
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Janet Marie Brookey
Good question!
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William H. Cassing
Why would you claim he's a serial liar? Please be specific. Thank you.
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Michael Hunt
Here's an extensive list of lies he has told: https://projects.thestar.com/donald-trump-fact-check/
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William H. Cassing
You chose a Canadian source???
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Michael Hunt
How does the source being Canadian invalidate their reporting? US outlets report on world news every day without any issues of credibility.
Canadian or not, they've tracked 5276 lies from Trump in just his first 4 years.
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William H. Cassing
Comment removed by user.
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William H. Cassing
Comment removed by user.
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Timothy C Stone
HE REPOSTED IT ON HIS PERSONAL ACCOUNT!
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Ross Alan Boger
the Pesident did not post the pic
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Michael Hunt
His Truth social and the White House twitter accounts both posted the photo: https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1918502592335724809
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Brian Patrick Molloy
We are all children of the same universe , and will be judged accordingly . Judgement Day .✝️
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Brian Patrick Molloy
We are all children of the same universe , and will be judged accordingly . Judgement Day .✝️
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Lori-Ann Neeb
So do you. If you know that name your source of verifying proof.
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William Tomasso
Why does president Trump and vice president Vance think it's ok to mock the Pope? I think they both are immature. At least we have a God that's on our side. The god of this world has been defeated . I pray that President Trump and Vice president Vance will come to the Lord.
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Mary Joanne Fox
The timing was bad for sure. Trump had nothing to do with this and knew nothing until his wife told him. It was a joke by people who can make these kind of memes Don't hate the President because it was not done with his permission.
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Timothy C Stone
tRUMP is in control of his personal account and HE reposted the picture. Someone else made the pic and tRUMP reposted it.
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Monica Faye Chaddick
I think he very well may have meant it as a joke, but considering the timing and considering the fact that the person he was pretending to be with a holy figure I don't think he thought it out too well.. I don't believe he did it to be rude or spiteful I believe it was done out of ignorance. I am not trying to say that he is ignorant I'm just trying to say that he didn't think before he acted.
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Tami Jill Burden
I believe that Trump is God's man for America in this hour. However, I will remind you that God chose Pharoah too, for the very purpose of the Exodus. And we're waiting for the anti-christ to show himself. My take is that God's Will shall be done in spite of our selves and He will chose and place in authority those He knows will act out His will because He built them that way. As Christians we loose sight of the fact that God is always in control, we pray for goodness but, God said this world will come to an end. And His word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish that which He purposed it to do. We are His children but growing in understanding,(maturing in faith) is what His Holy Ghost helps us do and we have to take hold of the fact that God is in control and already countered the bad stuff too. So we must learn to pray God's Will and not ours.
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Rev Nolan
It’s apparent that you don’t read your Bible. Every prophecy about Anti-Christ describes Trump to a T. We don’t need to wait for the coming of Anti-Christ. Trump IS Anti-Christ. I’m not even a Christian and don’t believe the Bible to be the Word of God, but I have read and am familiar enough with the Bible to know that we’ve had many incarnations of Anti-Christ since Nero. Trump most likely is the last of them.
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Richelle Lynn John
I , for one, do not think that Trump actually has the time to run his own social media accounts, so I would question if he was the actual poster of said image. And the article even states that it was a meme made by another account and shared by the official trump account. They literally share almost every trump meme on that account. No one can really take it seriously. I find it hard to take anything on an instagram account seriously these days. Not being American, I have little care or feelings about most of what is happening in politics there. As a catholic, while I thought it was in bad taste, I just thought it was a bad joke and nothing to take seriously.
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Rev. BH
Trump's site re/posted that "humorous" image. He, in his always good natured comedic frame of mind (?) thought it was funny (or something). Imagine if Obama or Biden had re/posted themselves as the Pope.it. They would have been put through the wringer.
I’m not a bit surprised he did it; trump is scum and his followers are cult members. That “person” has absolutely no redeeming qualities and has single handedly destroyed our standing in world politics. I can’t explain how evil and disgusting I find him, and I feel the same about his sycophants. If you feel, somehow, that you align with that despot, please do us both a favor and leave me alone. Anyone else is welcome…
You are an IDIOT. God will deal with you.
I AGREE
This is the type of hatred that fuels continued conflict. The photo was obviously a joke, one that has been repeated numerous times without it causing a problem.
President Trump did not create or post this picture. You need to find out the facts before posting a comment.
It was originally posted on Donald Trump's own Truth Social account and reposted by his White House staff (Instagram and X). Even if he did not create the image himself, he did post it.
If he reposted it, he supports it. Anyone want to photoshop either him or his dead brother laying in state instead of the pope. Maybe see if he reposts that.
First of all President Trump didn't create the image only posted it after it came to his attention. And let's try and demonstrate grace and forgiveness lest we become what we hate. Some comments here are far worse and offensive. Not alot of love coming from "so called" men or women of the cloth.
Most of said comments are from trump's cult victims. I have negative views I do not hide but have never sunk as low as they do. That is clear proof they have nothing real to say . Whenever backed into a corner with nothing - deflect trying to attack the other side.
God Bless You Rev Copp. I never feel anyone should speak the way you did, especially someone who calls themselves a Reverend. I'm not judging you, merely sharing my opinion.
Sorry Steven, but that sounds pretty judgmental to me.
We all have our right to our own opinions, unless trump has executive ordered them away too.
Well...everyone is entitled to their opinion. Although I disagree, I won't berate you. Although your comment certainly comes across and judgement. ;>)
Your compassion is noted and appreciated, but I didn't claim to not be judging anybody.
I agree. Nothing that whatever he may be ( he has no ties to the human race to me.) says or does should surprise anyone anymore.