US President Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy after posting an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ—further straining his already tense relationship with Pope Leo XIV.
Shared on his Truth platform on Sunday, the image shows Trump draped in flowing robes and bathed in radiant light, arms outstretched in a pose evoking healing. Around him, figures resembling angels—or possibly armed personnel—hover mid-air, while fighter jets streak across the sky and fireworks explode overhead. The Statue of Liberty looms in the background, blending religious imagery with overt American symbolism.
The post followed a series of sharp attacks by Trump on the pope, whom he accused of weakness on major global issues. He described Pope Leo as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” arguing the pontiff had unfairly criticised his administration while ignoring restrictions placed on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump also rejected the pope’s calls for restraint in global conflicts, particularly on nuclear tensions. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” he said, defending US military and foreign policy decisions.
The US president went further, claiming the pope’s 2025 election—the first American pontiff—was politically motivated. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump asserted, suggesting the Church sought to manage relations with his presidency.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump said he was “not a fan” of the pope, calling him “very liberal” and questioning his leadership.
Pope Leo’s remarks that sparked the latest clash came during prayers at St Peter’s Basilica, where he warned against escalating global violence and criticised what he described as a growing “delusion of omnipotence” among world leaders. “Enough of the idolatry of self and money… Enough of war,” he said, urging peace and dialogue.
In earlier comments, the pontiff condemned ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran, stressing that “God does not bless any conflict” and cautioning against using religion to justify violence.
Beyond geopolitics, the rift reflects deeper policy divides. Pope Leo has repeatedly criticised US immigration policies, including mass deportations, calling them inhumane. He also declined to join a US-backed Gaza peace initiative and cancelled a planned US visit, opting instead to meet with migrants—moves widely seen as pointed rebukes of Washington.
Relations between Trump and the Vatican have steadily deteriorated since 2025. While Trump initially hailed the pope’s election as a “great honour” for the US, disagreements over policy and rhetoric have since driven a widening wedge.
Sunday’s AI image marks the latest in a string of provocative posts by the president. In 2025, Trump similarly drew backlash after sharing an AI-generated image of himself dressed as a pope—one that was later amplified by official government channels.
