ROME (CNS) — Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York criticized an AI-generated image depicting U. S. President Donald Trump dressed as the pope, calling it "not good" and expressing hope that Trump had no involvement. The image, showing Trump in a white papal cassock and miter, first appeared on Trump’s TruthSocial account and was later shared by official White House social media on May 3. Trump had previously said on April 29 that he "would like to be pope. " When asked if he was offended, Cardinal Dolan used the Italian phrase "brutta figura, " meaning it made a bad impression. Cardinal Dolan celebrated Mass on May 4 at his titular parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the Monte Mario district of Rome. As a cardinal, he is assigned a titular church, making him a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome. The church was filled with parishioners, visitors, and press. Msgr. Gianfranco Mammoli, the parish priest, welcomed the cardinal and highlighted the day's Gospel reading (John 21:1-19), noting its relevance as cardinals prepared in Rome to choose the next pope. He reflected that Jesus did not give Simon Peter explicit instructions on leading the Church but asked him three times, "Do you love me?" and emphasized that the new pope would be chosen not for his preparedness but because he loves Jesus and will heed His call to lead. In his Italian homily, Cardinal Dolan asked for prayers for himself and all cardinals ahead of the May 7 conclave, acknowledging the need for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

He centered his sermon on the Gospel’s depiction of Jesus gathering disciples to share a meal, likening it to every Sunday Mass, where God’s people come together as a spiritual family through the Holy Mother Church. Playfully noting Pope Francis’ advice to keep homilies short, Cardinal Dolan concluded in under five minutes, drawing laughter from the congregation, who affirmed their local priest also keeps homilies brief. After Mass, Cardinal Dolan mingled with parishioners, answering questions, taking selfies, inviting people to visit him at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and reminding them to pray for the cardinals. Speaking later to reporters, he stressed the vital role of prayer during the conclave, citing Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, who urged the faithful to pray earnestly for the cardinals. Dolan noted that the cardinals were still becoming acquainted with each other but that his previous experience in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis made him feel more relaxed and seasoned this time. When asked about a possible "Francis II, " he expressed hope, stating such leadership is needed. Regarding qualities desired in the next pope, Dolan emphasized the importance of a pope who smiles, and who is simple, humble, and good. He suggested blending the best traits of the last three popes—Pope Benedict XVI’s intellect, St. John Paul II’s courage and call to follow Jesus, and humility. He revealed he was praying to St. Anthony to help find the right candidate. When asked if he had made a decision on his choice, he said he was still considering but acknowledged time was running out with only two days left before voting begins.