On Thursday 8th of May, 2025, the world welcomed the election of a new Pope after the death of late Pope Francis.
What especially stood out was the fact that this latest, Pope Robert Prevost, who has chosen to be called Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to be elected out of the 267th Popes to lead the Catholic faithful so far.
However latest event from late Pope Francis’ funeral and world reactions raise the question about US president, Donald Trump’s influence in the Pope’s election.
But is there any form of evidence to lay credence to these allegations? Here’s what we know.
Trump’s X post adorning a Pope’s Regalia before conclave
The internet was agog six days ago when the president of United States, Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed like the pope on X, which went viral almost instantly.
This was met with criticisms and other mixed reactions from internet users who described it as disrespectful.
“This is extremely disrespectful and narcissistic”
X user Andrew tweeted.
“this is sacrilegious and blasphemous but still “christians” will support him” another X user Imani tweeted.
Four days after the incident, a new pope was announced 8th May, 2025 and he turned out to be an American.

The conclave which began on Wednesday, 7th of May lasted for only 26 hours, making it the shortest conclave in history overthrowing the previous shortest conclaves that lasted 2 days.
The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost is America’s first pope.
Also during the late Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, World leaders including President Trump attended the ceremony in Vatican City. While there, he met briefly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders held a 15-minute conversation inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Zelenskyy described the meeting as “symbolic” and expressed hope that it could lead to a lasting peace agreement in Ukraine. Trump did not provide detailed comments about the discussion but indicated that he would attempt to meet with other leaders during his short visit to Rome.
Put side by side, these events sparked a wild question: could Trump have had anything to do with the choice of the new pope?
The Pope’s Reaction
Contrary to the arising speculations, the new pope Leo XIV soon after his appointment, reposted a message that took direct aim at Trump and his vice president J.D. Vance.
The post criticized them for attacking due process and immigrants, saying, “This is what the collapse of due process looks like.”
It was a rare and bold move from a religious leader especially the pope, making it pretty clear that Pope Leo XIV isn’t likely to align himself with Trump’s political worldview.
Can Trump or Any President Influence the Vatican?
The pope is chosen by the College of Cardinals in a closed-door process that follows centuries of tradition. No president, prime minister, or political leader has a say in it.
Even though the pope is a powerful religious figure, he doesn’t rule alone. He works with the Roman Curia, a group of international Church officials who help with decision-making and administration.
Their loyalty is to the Church, not to any government.
Also, the Vatican is its own country. The pope is a head of state and that puts him on the same level, politically, as the president of the United States not below him.
What was Trump’s Intent?
While Trump’s AI pope image was clearly satire, it also reflects how he sees himself or how he wants to be seen.
The image isn’t just about religion. It’s about authority, power, and influence.
But the reality is different. Pope Leo XIV seems focused on issues like justice, fairness, and standing up for the marginalized situations Trump has often been criticized for ignoring or undermining.
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