An AI-generated image of Donald Trump dressed as the Pope has sparked backlash from some Catholics, who say the former US President is mocking their faith.

The image, shared by official White House social media accounts on Friday night, comes as the Catholic Church mourns the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on 21st April.

Cardinals are now preparing for a conclave to elect the Pontiff's successor.

Trump, who recently joked to reporters, “I’d like to be Pope,” is shown in the picture wearing a white cassock and bishop’s miter, with a large cross around his neck and a raised finger in a solemn pose.

The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops across the state, condemned the image on X: “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.”

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni declined to comment on the image during a press briefing on Saturday.

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also criticised the post, writing on X: “This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around.”

The White House dismissed the criticism, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying: “President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects to Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty.”