The picture, which was shared by official White House social media accounts, comes as Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, and prepare to choose the next Pope.

The New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mocking the faith. The post comes days after he joked to reporters that he would love to be a Pope. 

The image posted by Trump on Friday night features him wearing a white cassock and pointed mitre, traditionally worn by a bishop. 

He wears a large cross around his neck, and has his finger held up, with a solemn facial expression.

The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in New York, took to X to criticise the picture.