The President of the United States Donald Trump has sparked widespread criticism after sharing an AI-generated image portraying himself in a Jesus-like form, further straining his already tense relationship with Pope Leo XIV.
The controversial image, posted on Trump’s Truth platform on Sunday, shows the president dressed in flowing robes, surrounded by bright light, with his hands stretched out in a pose resembling divine healing.
The scene also features symbolic elements, including figures that appear like angels or armed guards floating mid-air, fighter jets streaking across the sky, and fireworks exploding overhead. The Statue of Liberty stands prominently in the background, blending religious imagery with American symbolism.
The post came shortly after Trump launched a fresh round of criticism against the pope, accusing him of being weak on major global issues.
He described Pope Leo XIV as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” while claiming the Catholic leader had unfairly targeted his administration.
Trump also criticised the pope’s stance on global conflicts and nuclear weapons, particularly calls for restraint and dialogue.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
The US president went further to suggest that the pope’s emergence in 2025 as the first American pontiff was politically motivated.
According to him, the Catholic Church supported the pope’s emergence to better manage relations with his administration.
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump claimed.
The remarks from the pope that triggered the latest exchange were made during prayers at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he urged world leaders to embrace peace and avoid escalating global tensions.
Pope Leo XIV warned against what he described as a growing “delusion of omnipotence” among powerful nations.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money… Enough of war,” he said.
He also criticised ongoing conflicts involving countries such as the United States, Israel and Iran, insisting that religion should never be used to justify violence.
Beyond the war of words, both figures have clashed over several policy issues, particularly immigration.
The pope has repeatedly condemned mass deportations and immigration raids in the US, describing them as inhumane and contrary to human dignity. He has also distanced himself from US-backed initiatives, including declining participation in a proposed Gaza peace effort and cancelling a planned visit to the United States.
This is not the first time Trump has drawn backlash over AI-generated imagery. In 2025, he shared another controversial image of himself dressed as a pope, a post that was widely criticised, especially after being amplified by official channels.
With tensions between Washington and the Vatican continuing to rise, Sunday’s post adds another layer to an already strained relationship, drawing reactions from across the globe.
Advertisement
