WASHINGTON, May 4, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump posted on Friday a spoof picture of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform after joking that he would like to be the next Catholic pontiff.

The president is seen in what appears to be an AI-generated color image, with his right index finger pointed toward the sky, wearing papal regalia, including white robes, a gold crucifix pendant and the miter hat.

It comes after Trump joked to reporters this week that he would like to be the next pope, just days before cardinals are due to start the conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis who died on April 21.

Asked who he would like to succeed Pope Francis, Trump said: "I'd like to be pope, that would be my number one choice."

Trump went on to say that he did not have a preference but said there was a cardinal in New York who was "very good."

He appeared to be referring to the archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, a theological conservative and fiercely opposed to abortion.

The New York State Catholic Conference, which says it represents bishops of the state in working with the government, voiced sharp criticism of the picture.

"There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," it wrote in a post on X.

"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."

Trump attended the funeral service of Pope Francis last week, his first foreign trip since returning to power.

About 20 percent of Americans declare themselves Catholic, and exit polls indicated in November that they voted around 60 percent in favor of Trump.

Cardinals will gather on May 7 in a conclave in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.