The post comes amid an escalating war of words with Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump described as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a separate, lengthy message.
US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like form, appearing to “heal” the sick, on his platform Truth Social.
The post comes amid an escalating war of words with Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump described as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a separate, lengthy message.
The exchange follows recent tensions between the two over immigration and the ongoing Iran conflict, with the Pope urging restraint and peace in public remarks.
US President Donald Trump posted this AI generated Image of himself depicting as Jesus. (Donald J Trump/ Truth Social)
In his post, Trump accused the pontiff of aligning with the “Radical Left” and criticised his positions on nuclear policy and US interventions, including Venezuela. He also questioned the circumstances of the Pope’s elevation, claiming it was politically motivated and linked to his own presidency.
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump wrote, adding that the Pope “became Pope just because he is American.”
He also took a personal swipe, saying he preferred the Pope’s brother, whom he described as supportive of his “MAGA” movement.
The Vatican has not officially responded to the latest remarks.
The exchange marks a rare and direct public confrontation between a sitting US president and the papacy, highlighting deep divisions over war, migration, and the role of religion in politics.
