Trump Shares AI Image as Christ, Intensifying Feud with Pope Leo XIV

United States President Donald Trump has courted further controversy by circulating an artificially generated image that casts him in the likeness of Jesus Christ, thereby exacerbating existing friction with Pope Leo XIV.

The AI-generated picture, which Trump disseminated on his Truth Social platform, depicts him adorned in religious vestments, bathed in an ethereal glow, and seemingly performing an act of healing. The scene includes levitating figures that resemble angels or soldiers, fighter jets in the sky, overhead fireworks, and the Statue of Liberty in the background, combining spiritual iconography with symbols of American military might.

This digital post followed a period of public criticism from Trump directed at the pontiff concerning his perspectives on international conflicts and global governance.

In a statement made on Truth Social, Trump expressed his disapproval, stating, “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.

“He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the fear that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organisations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else for holding church services.”

The former US president also voiced objections to the pontiff’s positions on nuclear armament and recent military interventions.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” Trump declared.

“And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.

“Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican. Unfortunately, Leo’s Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons, does not sit well with me.”

Addressing reporters later, Trump commented that he was "not a fan" of the pope, adding, “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess. He’s a very liberal person.”

These declarations came after Pope Leo delivered remarks during evening prayers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he advocated for peace amidst escalating global tensions.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life,” the pope stated.

Previously, in a post on the platform X, the pontiff had appealed for an end to the conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, emphasizing that peace is attainable only through dialogue and mutual coexistence.

“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs,” he wrote.

The discord between Trump and the Pope largely originates from their divergent views on international conflicts and the issue of migration. Since the emergence of heightened tensions involving Iran, the pontiff has consistently denounced violence, cautioning against what he characterized as an increasing "delusion of omnipotence" fueling global crises.

Furthermore, he has voiced criticism regarding mass deportations and immigration crackdowns within the United States, describing the treatment of migrants as lacking humanity and being in opposition to fundamental human dignity. The pontiff had previously declined an invitation to participate in a US-led peace initiative for Gaza and postponed a planned visit to the United States, opting instead to engage with migrants.

The initial friction between Trump and Pope Leo became apparent shortly after the latter’s election in 2025, marking him as the first American pope. Although Trump initially characterized this event as a "great honour" for the United States, their relationship has since deteriorated due to policy disagreements and controversial public statements.