Donald Trump has posted a picture of himself dressed up as the pope to his Truth Social channel. The bizarre post has received 12,000 likes and been reposted over three thousand times at the time of writing.

Social media users reacted with a mixture of bewilderment, amusement and even anger. One wrote: "Yes, the lunatic really posted this."

While another said: "He'll post himself as Jesus next. The funny thing is the Christian's that support him don't seem to have a problem with this, which is clearly mocking Christianity."

Robert Musella noted: "As a Catholic, as a Christian, and as a human being. I’m angered.

"This isn’t leadership. It’s a circus act disguised as divine right."

Others, however, jumped to the defence of the US President, telling people to get a sense of humour.

Phoenix wrote: "Omg get out & touch some grass! He's JOKING!"

Cardinal electors will begin their deliberations on who will succeed the late Pope Francis on Wednesday, May 7.

133 Cardinal electors are expected to gather at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which will be closed to the public during the conclave.

A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope, meaning several voting rounds are often required to obtain a result.

The US President, who attended the funeral of Pope Francis, has jokingly said he would like to lead the almost-2,000-year-old institution.

He told a reporter on Tuesday last week: "I'd like to be Pope, that would be my number one choice!"

After the joking comment, he said he has "no preference" on who should replace Francis.

He added: "I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York who’s very good, so we’ll see what happens.”