Donald Trump sparked controversy after posting an image depicting himself as Jesus, following criticism of Pope Leo, drawing widespread reactions and debate across social media platforms. The US President sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV and called him “weak on crime” and “terrible” on foreign policy.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has been vocal in urging diplomacy and restraint in global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.
Donald Trump shared an AI image portraying himself as a Christ-like figure on Truth Social following a heated feud with Pope Leo XIV. Draped in robes, surrounded by divine light, and seemingly 'healing' a man, Trump is seen flanked by supporters' angelic or soldier-like figures. In the image, fighter jets fly across the sky, leaving trails, while fireworks burst, suggesting military strength and celebration. The Statue of Liberty is visible in the distance, which further confirms American identity. The post comes shortly after Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak”
The US President told reporters that he is "not a big fan" of Pope Leo XIV. "I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person, and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He accused the pontiff of "toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon.”
Trump wrote, “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. I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected.” He also went on to say: "If I weren't in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”
Trump's opposition to the Pope stems from the Pope's remarks on the Iran war. Since the war began, Pope Leo has called the war "unjust" and condemned Trump’s threats of total destruction as "truly unacceptable."
Pope Leo has also criticized the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts and ICE raids, describing the treatment of migrants as "inhuman" and an "affront to God-given human dignity. The Pope also declined an invitation to join Trump’s "Board of Peace" for Gaza and canceled a planned US visit for the country’s 250th anniversary in July 2026. Instead, he chose to meet migrants.
On April 11, 2026, Leo denounced the "delusion of omnipotence" he says is fueling the war, warning it is becoming "unpredictable and aggressive." The Pope has explicitly condemned leaders who invoke the "holy Name of God" to justify "discourses of death".
He stated that "God does not bless any conflict" and certainly does not side with those who drop bombs. Earlier, Leo called President Trump's threat to "annihilate" Iranian civilization "truly unacceptable." During his Palm Sunday homily, Leo cited scripture to warn that God "rejects the prayers" of those who wage war, saying their hands are "full of blood".He has urged leaders to "Stop!" and sit at the "table of dialogue and mediation" rather than at the table where deadly actions are decided.
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Upon the announcement that Leo XIV would be the first-ever American pontiff, Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social. He called it a "Great Honor for our Country" and a “great excitement.” Shortly after his election in May 2025, the new Pope declined an invitation delivered by Vice President Vance in Rome to visit the United States during his first year.
Trump further expressed a preference for the Pope’s brother and urged Leo to focus on religion rather than politics.