Harrisburg, PA – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement in response to an image posted on social media Friday, 2 May by the White House, depicting President Donald Trump dressed as the pope:
“Last week, the Criminal President made the despicable and contemptable choice to share an image on social media depicting himself as the pope. I strongly condemn this insult and its mockery of God and demand the immediate resignation of the Criminal President.
Less than two weeks since the passing of Pope Francis, the Criminal President has repeatedly disrespected the Vatican, including by telling the press that he would be the ‘number one choice’ to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
As a Christian, I am appalled and disgusted by this blasphemy. I stand in solidarity with Catholics across the Commonwealth, and echo the sentiment of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois:
“By publishing a picture of himself masquerading as the Pope, President Trump mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy. This is deeply offensive to Catholics especially during this sacred time that we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the election of our new Pope. President Trump owes an apology to Catholics and all people of good will.”
We must resist the Criminal President’s continued attacks on our religious freedom and our dignity. I demand that the Criminal President resign immediately.