Vance defends Trump’s AI pope photo

Vice President Vance defended President Trump from criticism regarding his Friday Truth Social post portraying himself as a pontiff days after the death of Pope Francis.

“Hey, @JDVance, you fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father?” Bill Kristol, who served as chief of staff to the vice president in the Bush administration, wrote in a Saturday post on the social media platform X. 

“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,” Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, wrote in a response to Kristol, who was an advocate for the 2003 Iraq invasion.

The vice president's defense of Trump comes as others expressed their disapproval of the post, which was also reposted by the official White House account.

“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us,” the the Catholic Bishops of New York State wrote in a post on X.

In late April, Catholic cardinals decided that May 7 would serve as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor.

“As a Catholic, I take great offense to Donald Trump mocking Catholics,” Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) wrote on X.

“I wish Trump would focus on lowering prices instead. The American economy had negative GDP growth last quarter. That’s what he should be focused on instead of making fun of Catholics,” he added.

Earlier this week, Vance touted his special connection with the pope, whom he met one 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 at the time.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also backed Trump and his AI-generated post on Saturday.

“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,” Graham wrote in a post on X. 

“Must keep your head down and plow forward — can’t let the naysayers win the day," he continued. "Next week is crucial as the papal conclave convenes…. More updates to come!”