In a statement, Rev. Dennis Walsh emphasized that ridiculing the sacred office is deeply offensive and diminishes the honor that should be shown to a key figure of our faith.
A local Catholic Church leader in DAVENPORT, Iowa expressed his disapproval of an image featuring President Donald Trump depicted as the pope, citing its offensiveness and lack of respect towards a religion with 1.4 billion followers globally.
Following Pope Francis’ passing and funeral, numerous Catholics voiced their dismay over the photo. Not long after, a new pope was elected by the cardinals on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago and marking the first pontiff in the church’s 2,000-year history to originate from the United States.
The photo was shared on the president’s Truth Social account late last week. In a recent statement, Davenport Bishop Rev. Dennis Walsh said that “while individual Catholics may hold varying opinions on this matter, the act itself is inexcusable to many within our community.” He added that it would be “appropriate” for the White House and Trump to issue a formal apology.
“They can’t take a joke? You don’t mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media? No, the Catholics loved it,” Trump said during a press conference on Monday, as reported by ABC News. “I had nothing to do with it. Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the pope and they put it out on the internet. That’s not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI, but I know nothing about it. I just saw it last evening. Actually, my wife thought it was cute. She said, ‘Isn’t that nice?'”
Rev. Walsh’s full statement can be found below:
The recent publication of a meme depicting the President as the Pope, and its amplification by many of his supporters is a matter of significant concern to the Catholic community. As the largest single church in the United States, Catholics have a long and proud history of contributing to the fabric of this nation and have made profound sacrifices to safeguard its freedoms.
The papacy, and specifically the Office of Vicar of Christ and Bishop of Rome, holds deep spiritual significance for Catholics worldwide. Making light of this sacred office is deeply offensive and undermines the respect due to a central figure of our faith. While individual Catholics may hold varying opinions on this matter, the act itself is inexcusable to many within our community.
The reposting of this meme through official White House social media channels is particularly disheartening. Given the Catholic Church’s substantial contributions to the United States, such actions can be viewed as a profound lack of respect.
In light of the offense caused and the significant role of the Catholic Church in American history, it would be appropriate for the President and the White House to issue a formal apology.
