In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming everything from art to entertainment, one AI-generated video has triggered a wave of intense backlash.
What was likely intended as a tribute quickly turned into a viral storm—and not in a good way.
The 31-second video imagines the late Pope Francis in Heaven, mingling with an array of deceased celebrities.
But rather than comforting or nostalgic, many viewers found it disturbing, even offensive.
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The Viral Video That Sparked a Firestorm
Titled “Pope Francis meeting some old friends,” the clip features a smiling, digitally-created Pope Francis embracing a who’s who of famous faces who’ve passed away.
In the short montage, viewers see him greet Queen Elizabeth II, Muhammad Ali, Amy Winehouse, and even fictional meetups with stars like One Direction’s Liam Payne and Jumanji actor Robin Williams.
While some saw it as a creative, sentimental piece, others were outright horrified—especially when the Pope was shown with controversial figures like Michael Jackson, who faced serious allegations of child abuse before his death.
The Michael Jackson Moment: Outrage Erupts
Of all the celebrity cameos, it was the Pope’s embrace with Michael Jackson that truly ignited fury online.
Despite Jackson’s status as a music legend, his legacy remains clouded by accusations that many find deeply troubling.
Users on X (formerly Twitter) did not hold back.
“This is one of the most sickening and horrendous things I’ve ever seen,” one person wrote.
“How dare you desecrate the Pope’s memory like this!!”
Another called the video “blasphemous in the extreme,” pointing out the disturbing implication of depicting the late pontiff side by side with someone as controversial as Jackson.
Other Cameos Leave Viewers Confused and Uncomfortable
The video also includes digital encounters with Princess Diana, Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Walker, and even theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking—who, notably, was an outspoken atheist.
His appearance especially baffled viewers, some asking why he was still shown in a wheelchair in a supposed paradise.
“Why is Hawking still disabled in Heaven?” one user asked.
“And why is he there at all?”
Pope Francis is also seen hugging Disney actor Cameron Boyce, Brazilian footballer Pelé, and sharing a poignant moment with Pope John Paul II.
Though the creators may have intended it as heartwarming, many found it creepy, overly sentimental, or just plain odd.
“Disrespectful,” “Creepy,” and “Dystopian”: The Internet Responds
The general tone across social media ranged from bewilderment to disgust.
One person commented, “This is definitely the most dystopian thing I’ve seen today.”
Another wrote, “Can we not use AI for dead people? This is weird.”
Many critics slammed the creators for what they saw as an unhealthy obsession with celebrity culture.
“Why would he be hanging out with these people instead of his family or close friends?” someone asked.
Others simply called it “gross,” “disrespectful,” or “creepy beyond words.”
Pope Francis: A Legacy Now Clouded by AI?
The timing of the video made the backlash even more intense.
Pope Francis had just been buried in Rome following a high-profile ceremony attended by world leaders and royals.
The 88-year-old spiritual leader, known as the first South American pontiff, had led the Catholic Church for 12 years before passing away on April 21 after battling long-term illness.
Instead of quiet mourning and reflection, his online memory is now entangled with an AI video many consider exploitative and in poor taste.
What Comes Next for AI and Digital Legacy?
As artificial intelligence continues to blur the lines between art, tribute, and ethical boundaries, this viral controversy raises important questions.
Should we use AI to bring back the dead, even for sentimental purposes?
Who gets to decide what’s respectful or distasteful?
And when does creativity turn into exploitation?
For now, many are calling for restraint, if not regulation, especially when dealing with the digital afterlife of public figures.