Trump Posts AI-Generated Image Of Himself As Jesus Christ, Labels Pope Leo ‘Weak’ Over Peace Appeal

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ and launching a series of attacks on Pope Leo XIV over his recent calls for global peace.

The image, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, shows him dressed in flowing robes with radiant light around him. It presents him in a healing pose, while figures resembling angels or soldiers appear to float nearby. The background includes fighter jets flying across the sky, fireworks, and the Statue of Liberty, combining religious imagery with symbols of American military strength and national identity.

The post came shortly after Trump reacted strongly to statements made by Pope Leo XIV, who has repeatedly called for an end to escalating global conflicts.

In his criticism, Trump described the pontiff in harsh terms over his position on crime and foreign policy.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote.

“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.”

Trump also rejected the pope’s comments on international security issues, including nuclear weapons and recent military actions involving the United States.

He further questioned the legitimacy and background of Pope Leo’s election, suggesting political motivations behind his selection as the leader of the Catholic Church.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Trump later reinforced his criticism in remarks to journalists, where he made it clear he was unimpressed with the pope’s leadership.

“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime I guess. He’s a very liberal person,” he added.

The dispute escalated after Pope Leo delivered a message during evening prayers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where he urged global leaders to pursue peace amid rising tensions across several regions.

The pope warned against what he called a dangerous mindset driving conflict worldwide.

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

In earlier comments shared on X, Pope Leo also appealed for an end to conflicts involving major global powers, including the United States, Israel, and Iran. He stressed that peace must be built through dialogue and coexistence rather than violence.

“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,” the pope had written.

The disagreement between both leaders has continued to widen since Pope Leo’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. While Trump initially welcomed the development as a national honour, tensions later emerged over foreign policy, migration, and public statements on global conflicts.

The latest AI-generated image shared by Trump adds another layer to the growing dispute between the White House and the Vatican.