14.04.2026 06:40
After harshly criticizing Pope Leo XIV, US President Donald Trump shared an image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. The controversial post remained online for over 12 hours before being deleted. While targeting the Pope on foreign policy and nuclear issues, the war of words between the two leaders has heightened tensions between the Vatican and Washington.
US President Donald Trump deleted an image depicting himself as Jesus Christ from the Christian tradition after criticizing Vatican State President Pope Leo XIV.
In a post on his social media account, Trump made criticisms towards Pope Leo XIV. Arguing that the Pope is "weak on crime and nuclear weapons" and "terrible in foreign policy," Trump claimed that Leo XIV was brought in by the Church to "deal with him" simply because he is American and because Trump himself is in the White House.
“I DON'T WANT SUCH A POPE”
Arguing that the Pope should be grateful to him, Trump targeted the Vatican leader with harsh words over his Iran and Venezuela policies. Trump reacted to the Pope's statements by saying, "I don't want a Pope who thinks Iran having nuclear weapons is not a problem."
The US President also said of the Pope, "Leo, as Pope, should get his act together, act sensibly, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician."
CONTROVERSIAL IMAGE DELETED AFTER 12 HOURS
Shortly after these statements, Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. In the image, Trump was shown as if healing a sick person among people praying to him.
It was reported that the post remained on his account for about 12 hours and was deleted after the reactions.
According to reports in the US press, the image caused harsh criticism both in religious circles and political circles.
TENSION ON THE VATICAN-WASHINGTON LINE
The controversy began after Pope Leo XIV made statements calling for world peace and criticizing wars. The Pope stated that wars stem from a "delusion of omnipotence."
Trump reacted harshly to the Pope's remarks, continuing his criticisms, especially over Iran policy. The mutual statements between the two leaders led to a notable tension between the Vatican and Washington.