I had nothing to do with it, someone made an image of me dressed as the Pope and posted it on the internet, says Trump about the image published on his Truth Social account and the White House account.
I have no idea where it came from. I know nothing about it... but my wife (Melania) thought it was cute, he continues.
The publication was made at the same time as the Catholic world is in mourning after Pope Francis' passing and just days before the cardinals gather in the Vatican to elect a successor.
The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in the state of New York, has criticized Trump and called the image a mockery.
"There is nothing smart or funny about this image, Mr. President", writes the organization in a comment.
But Trump has a different version of the reception:
The Catholics loved it, says he.
