Donald Trump has ignited fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ, while simultaneously launching a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s recent calls for global peace.
The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows him in flowing robes surrounded by radiant light, appearing to perform a healing act.
Angel-like figures hover above as fighter jets streak across the sky, fireworks explode, and the Statue of Liberty looms in the background.
The post came shortly after Trump criticised Pope Leo for his comments on rising global conflicts and foreign policy.
"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump wrote, accusing the Catholic Church of failing to defend religious freedoms during the pandemic.
Trump escalated his comments further, questioning the Pope’s stance on nuclear proliferation and US military actions.
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"I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon," he said.
He believed that Leo’s criticism of US interventions undermined his presidency, which he claimed had delivered record-low crime and historic stock market gains.
He also suggested the Pope’s election was politically influenced, alleging Leo was chosen because of his American nationality.
"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," he said.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said: "I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess. He’s a very liberal person."
The statements follow Pope Leo’s address at St Peter’s Basilica, where he urged an end to global violence and warned against what he described as a "delusion of omnipotence" driving wars worldwide.