Madonna has sparked controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of herself and Pope Francis on her Instagram Story.
The 66-year-old pop icon posted the photo on December 13, featuring the 87-year-old pontiff appearing to hug her. The image, captioned “Feels good to be seen,” was created by AI artist Rick Dick, whom Madonna tagged in her post. The artwork has since expired from her Story, but Dick shared it on his account with the caption, “MA.I.DONNA AND THE POPE. Thank you @madonna ❤️🔥.”
The image quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some calling it “disrespectful” while others labeled it “weird” and “creepy.” Neither Madonna, Rick Dick, nor the Vatican have commented on the backlash. However, the artist shared screenshots of media coverage of the controversy via his Instagram Story on December 14.
Advertisement This is not the first time Madonna has faced criticism from the Catholic Church. Her music and performances, including the 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, have been accused of using controversial religious allegories, leading to boycotts from Catholic figures, including Pope John Paul II.
I was shocked to see myself attacked by the Church because it was unable to understand how much my work was trying to produce something good. … The problem was them, not me. My work as an artist united people, gave them freedom of expression, unity. It was the mirror of Jesus’ teachings. Whoever attacked me was just a hypocrite.
Reflecting on the Church’s opposition in a 2023 interview with Vanity Fair Italia, Madonna said
She explained to the outlet, “I think it is important to have a pattern of rituals and a spiritual life. … Religion is not adhering to an exclusive or extremist group. Religion is respecting other religions.
Madonna, who now identifies as spiritual rather than religious, has embraced a more inclusive approach to faith
I think everyone should do it because I find it important to pray and have a connection with the soul, with spiritual strength, call it what you want. … I believe in the idea of something bigger, something higher, something metaphysical that is beyond us but that keeps us all together.
She also emphasized the importance of personal spiritual practices, adding
Source: US Weekly