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US President Donald Trump shared a Christ-like image of himself after launching a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling him "weak" and "very liberal" over his stance on global conflicts.
US President Donald Trump shared a Christ-like image of himself.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 13, 2026 15:32 IST
US President Donald Trump, after his public clash with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday night, launching a sharp attack on the pontiff’s leadership and political judgement, shared an image on social media portraying himself as a Jesus Christ-like figure.
In the image, Trump appears draped in robes, surrounded by divine light, and seemingly “healing” a man while being flanked by figures resembling angels or soldiers.
The post followed Trump’s strong remarks against Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as “weak” and “a very liberal person.” Speaking to reporters while returning to Washington from Florida, Trump said he was “not a fan” of the Pope and criticised his stance on global issues.
Trump’s comments came after the Pope suggested that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fuelling the US-Israel war in Iran. Although the Pope did not mention Trump directly, his remarks appeared aimed at US leadership. In response, Trump accused Leo of being “terrible for Foreign Policy” and claimed he was soft on issues like crime and nuclear threats.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, repeating his criticism both online and in person.
The US President also took aim at the Pope’s broader positions, including his criticism of American actions abroad. Trump referenced Venezuela, defending his administration’s move to oust President Nicolas Maduro and accusing the Pope of opposing US interests.
Trump further claimed that Leo’s elevation to the papacy was influenced by his American identity, suggesting it was a strategic move tied to US politics. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he wrote, urging the Pope to “stop catering to the Radical Left” and focus on leading the Catholic Church.
The Pope, who recently led a prayer service at St Peter’s Basilica, has consistently spoken against war. He said that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war” and described threats of large-scale destruction as “truly unacceptable.”
The exchange marks a rare and sharp public clash between a US President and the head of the Catholic Church, with both sides taking unusually direct positions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Ends
Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
Apr 13, 2026 15:32 IST
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