US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread outrage after posting — and later deleting — an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure.
The controversy has intensified tensions with Pope Leo XIV and drawn criticism across the political and religious spectrum.
The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Sunday, showed him dressed in a white robe, placing a hand on a man’s head in a scene resembling a healing.
It was deleted on Monday following strong backlash, with critics calling the post inappropriate and offensive.
Trump later told reporters that the image was intended to depict him “as a doctor” or a Red Cross worker, dismissing criticism as “fake news.”
He also took aim at Pope Leo XIV, criticising him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” adding that he does not want a pope who criticises the US president.
Pope Leo calls for peace
Responding indirectly, Pope Leo said he did not want to engage in a debate with Trump.
Speaking during a trip to Algeria, the pope stressed the need for peace, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation, highlighting the suffering of innocent people in global conflicts.
Senior Catholic figures in the United States strongly condemned Trump’s remarks.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley stated that the pope “is not his rival” and emphasised that the pontiff’s role is rooted in faith, not politics.
Similarly, Archbishop George Leo Thomas praised Pope Leo for “speaking truth to power” and advocating dialogue over division.
International and political reactions
The backlash extended globally, with Giorgia Meloni calling Trump’s comments “unacceptable” and defending the pope’s role in promoting peace.
US Senator Bernie Sanders also criticised Trump, describing his actions as “egomaniacal” and offensive.
Criticism also came from within conservative circles.
Figures such as Brilyn Hollyhand, Riley Gaines, and Megan Basham described the image as blasphemous and inappropriate, calling for its removal and an apology.
Isabel Brown also labelled the post “disgusting,” stressing the importance of religious respect.
Ongoing tensions with the Vatican
Relations between the White House and the Vatican have been strained for months, particularly over immigration policies, military actions, and international conflicts.
The latest controversy has further deepened that divide.
Despite the backlash, Trump continues to enjoy strong support among Christian voters.
In the 2024 election, a majority of Catholic voters backed him, reflecting his influence within religious communities.
Following a failed assassination attempt in July 2024, some supporters even described his survival as a sign of divine protection.
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