An AI-generated video featuring Pope Francis in Heaven with a mix of famous figures, including Michael Jackson, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II, has caused a storm of controversy online.
The short, 31-second clip has gone viral, garnering over 38 million views and sparking fierce backlash from viewers.
Many have called it “sickening” and “blasphemous,” with some even questioning the morality of using such imagery.
The Video and Its Controversy
The video, titled “Pope Francis meeting some old friends,” imagines the late pontiff sharing warm moments with iconic figures like Muhammad Ali, Amy Winehouse, and Liam Payne.
The surreal scene includes the Pope laughing with comedian Robin Williams, rapper Tupac Shakur, and actor Paul Walker.
However, it is the portrayal of Pope Francis with Michael Jackson that has caused the most outrage.
Jackson, who passed away in 2009, has long been embroiled in allegations of child abuse, which has led to widespread criticism of this AI-generated depiction.
One social media user expressed their disgust, writing, “How dare you desecrate the Pope’s memory like this! And to show him in ‘heaven’ with Michael Jackson, who is arguably a paedophile, is blasphemous in the extreme.”
Public Outrage and Reactions
The reactions to the video have been swift and intense, with many describing it as “creepy” and “disrespectful.”
“I know it was meant to be heartbreaking or whatever, but this kind of stuff has to stop,” one commenter said.
Another person called it “the most dystopian thing I’ve seen today,” emphasizing how unsettling the clip was to many viewers.
The video begins with Queen Elizabeth II, basketball star Kobe Bryant, and football legend Diego Maradona embracing Pope Francis in Heaven.
From there, the pontiff is shown interacting with a long list of celebrities, including Mac Miller, Princess Diana, and even the late Stephen Hawking.
These unusual pairings have left many puzzled, especially in the case of Hawking, who did not believe in Heaven during his lifetime.
Why the Video Has Left People Feeling Uneasy
The inclusion of Stephen Hawking, still portrayed in a wheelchair, raised further concerns.
“Why is Hawking still disabled in paradise?” one user wondered, while others questioned why the video depicted the Pope forming relationships with individuals he had never met in real life, such as Kobe Bryant or Paul Walker.
Some viewers were simply baffled by the use of AI to create such a controversial video.
“Can we not use AI for dead people? This is weird,” wrote one commenter.
Others criticized the creators for their apparent obsession with celebrities, calling it “infatuation” and urging them to rethink their approach.
Pope Francis’ Death and Legacy
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, was buried in Rome following a ceremony at the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff had led the Catholic Church for 12 years and was the first South American to hold the position.
His funeral was attended by world leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump, and Prince William.
Francis had been suffering from ill health for several months before his death.
As the controversy surrounding the AI video continues to unfold, many are left wondering about the ethical boundaries of using technology to recreate deceased figures in such a manner.
The Pope’s memory and legacy remain a sensitive topic for many, and this video has added a new layer of complexity to the conversation.