Denise Welch has transformed herself into an AI version of the pontiff after the death of Pope Francis. 

On Easter Monday, the Vatican announced the death of the Argentine-born Pope, who had spent the last few weeks in hospital battling an illness that had developed into pneumonia. 

And Coronation Street star Denise was among the stars to acknowledge his death on social media. 

But rather than a heartfelt tribute to Francis, as was shared by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Antonio Banderas, Welch opted for a different approach. 

The Loose Women panellist took to Instagram on Monday to share a bizarre picture of herself dressed as the pope, after she seemingly used an AI generator to transform herself into the pontiff. 

The picture came amid a string of AI snaps Welch as she joked she had had a ‘busy year’ just four months into 2025. 

Denise Welch has transformed herself into an AI version of the pontiff after the death of Pope Francis

On Easter Monday, the Vatican announced the death of the Argentine-born Pope, who had spent the last few weeks in hospital battling an illness that had developed into pneumonia (Seen earlier this month)

The first snap appeared to show Welch in mid-air beside a H๏τ air balloon, and the second was in reference to the Blue Origin mission – where herself, Alison Hammond, Natalie Cᴀssidy, Gemma Collins and Carol Vorderman were turned into astronauts.

The other snaps showed her sky diving, dressed as superman and finally as the pope. 

Many celebrities have publicly paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced his death. 

The pontiff, who dedicated his ‘entire life’ to serving God and the Church, was remembered on social media by celebrities of all ages and religions. 

Among them was Whoopi Goldberg, 69, who recalled a past meeting Pope Francis. 

Alongside an image of the pair, the Sister Act star wrote: ‘He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ’s love enveloped believer and none believer. 

‘He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.’ 

Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, also reflected on his time with the Pope.

The picture came amid a string of AI snaps Welch as she joked she had had a ‘busy year’ just four months into 2025

One snap was in reference to the Blue Origin mission – where herself, Alison Hammond, Natalie Cᴀssidy, Gemma Collins and Carol Vorderman were turned into astronauts

The other snaps showed her sky diving, dressed as superman and finally as the pope

The Spanish actor, 64, shared a picture from his meeting with the pontiff in 2016 and wrote: ‘Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people. @franciscus #RIP #DEP’. 

Eva Longoria – who met the pope in 2016 – also paid tribute, writing:’ Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. 

‘Your compᴀssion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.’

Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff. 

The British reverend tweeted: ‘Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. 

‘Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis.’ 

Livia Firth penned: ‘No matter the religion, he was a giant of a man – for love, for justice, for peace. No matter his position and the constraints that came with it, he tried.

‘I loved his humanity and some of his work (the ‘Laudato Si’, on care for our common home’ is so beautiful)

Sister Act star Whoopi Goldberg led celebrity tributes to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced he had died aged 88 on Easter Monday

Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, recalled a meeting with the pontiff 

‘Your voice will be missed in the world Jorge Mario Bergoglio.’ 

Boxer Frank Bruno paid his respects, writing: ‘Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has pᴀssed away. 

‘I am not very religious but was married in a Catholic church. May he rest in peace #rip #morning #monday.’ 

King Charles also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the Pope’s pᴀssing.

He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be ‘remembered for his compᴀssion’ and had ‘profoundly touched the lives of so many’. 

The Pontiff had spent the last couple of months battling health problems, including a bout of pneumonia which left him hospitalised.

He had recovered enough to hold a private audience with the pair on April 9, and he had been seen at public events over the Easter weekend, while also meeting US Vice President JD Vance in recent days.

However, it was announced early on Easter Monday that he had pᴀssed away, sending more than a billion Catholics worldwide into mourning.