Trump published the image on his own platform Truth Social on Friday. The image, which depicts Trump in white attire and a bishop's hat, has also been shared by the White House account on X.
The move comes simultaneously as the Catholic world is in mourning after Pope Francis and only days before the cardinals gather in the Vatican to elect a successor.
The Vatican has declined to comment to the AP news agency. However, the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in the state of New York, criticizes Trump and calls it a mockery.
There is nothing smart or funny about this image, Mr. President," they write in a comment.
"We have just laid our beloved Pope Francis to rest and the cardinals will soon gather in a solemn conclave to elect a new successor."
Mattéo Renzi, Italian parliamentarian and former prime minister, agrees.
"This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions, and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown. At the same time, the American economy risks recession and the dollar loses value," he writes on X.
Last week, Trump – who is not Catholic – received a question from journalists about whom he would like to see as Pope.
I would like to be the Pope, he replied jokingly.
