Trump Posts AI Image As Christ-Like Figure After Criticising Pope Leo XIV For Being “Weak On Crime”
Washington: US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by sharing an AI-generated image on Truth Social that portrays him in a Christ-like figure performing a miracle. The post, which quickly went viral, came shortly after he launched a strong public criticism of Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of being weak on crime and pursuing poor foreign policy.
In a detailed statement, Trump said, “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy. He talks about ‘fear’ of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2026
Trump further expressed disapproval of the Pope’s positions on international matters. He stated, “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… 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.”
The US President suggested that Pope Leo XIV’s elevation to the papacy was unexpected and politically influenced. He remarked, “Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope… If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”
Trump urged the Pope to focus on religious duties rather than politics. “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church,” he added.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump intensified his remarks: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess. We don’t like a pope who says it’s ok to have a nuclear weapon. We don’t want a pope who says crime is ok. I am not a fan of Pope Leo.”
The shared AI image depicts Trump in flowing robes, placing his hand on an ailing man in a scene resembling a biblical miracle, with the American flag, military aircraft, and angelic figures visible in the background. The post was timestamped April 12 at 21:49 ET and widely circulated on X via the account @TrumpTruthOnX.
The development has heightened tensions between the White House and the Vatican, with Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, often advocating for diplomacy and restraint in global conflicts, including issues involving Iran.
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