President Donald Trump ramped up his criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday night, posting and later deleting a digitally created image depicting himself as a healing figure, strikingly similar to Jesus, shortly after attacking the pontiff on social media. The post came just hours after Trump called the pope “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” Trump later deleted the post.
The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social account, showed the president dressed in white and red robes with light emanating from his hands healing a sick man in a hospital bed. The image, which is likely AI generated and was shared to the president from a fan of his, included figures resembling medical staff, a praying woman, and a soldier, with background imagery including the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, and an American flag.
The post followed a rant where Trump went after the pope and questioned his leadership, and also apparently took credit for his appointment. “Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise,” Mr. Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump also said he preferred the pope’s brother, adding “He gets it!” and urged Leo to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
Trump clarified on Monday to reporters that he had posted it because he had believed the AI-generated photo of him healing a sick man was depicting him as a doctor. He said anyone who thought otherwise was "fake news."
"I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support... It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better, I make people a lot better.”
The comments come amid growing tensions between Trump and the Pope, particularly over the ongoing war involving Iran. Pope Leo has spoken out against the conflict, condemning what he described as escalating violence and calling for peace. The Pope, understandably, has quoted the words of Christ in scripture in his criticisms by saying that it is the Peacemakers who are blessed.
Speaking to reporters Monday while traveling from Rome to Algiers, Leo gave some more context to his criticisms. “I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do,” he said. When asked about Trump’s remarks, the pope added: “It’s ironic — the name of the site itself. Say no more," referring to Truth Social.
The pope said that his statements were not intended as personal attacks. “The things I say are not meant as attacks on anyone,” Leo said. “I do not look at my role as being political, a politician. I don’t want to get into a debate with him. I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.”
Leo also reiterated his opposition to war, saying: “I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.”
The exchange follows a series of increasingly direct remarks from the pope in recent days, including criticism of military action in Iran and warnings against invoking religious language to justify conflict.
Trump has posted several digitally generated images of himself over the past year, including previous depictions referencing religious and monarchical imagery. Some of those posts have drawn criticism from religious figures and political commentators.
The latest developments come as Congress prepares to return to Washington following a two-week recess.
This article has been updated to reflect current developments.
The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social account, showed the president dressed in white and red robes with light emanating from his hands healing a sick man in a hospital bed. The image, which is likely AI generated and was shared to the president from a fan of his, included figures resembling medical staff, a praying woman, and a soldier, with background imagery including the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, and an American flag.
The post followed a rant where Trump went after the pope and questioned his leadership, and also apparently took credit for his appointment. “Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise,” Mr. Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump also said he preferred the pope’s brother, adding “He gets it!” and urged Leo to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
Trump clarified on Monday to reporters that he had posted it because he had believed the AI-generated photo of him healing a sick man was depicting him as a doctor. He said anyone who thought otherwise was "fake news."
"I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support... It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better, I make people a lot better.”
The comments come amid growing tensions between Trump and the Pope, particularly over the ongoing war involving Iran. Pope Leo has spoken out against the conflict, condemning what he described as escalating violence and calling for peace. The Pope, understandably, has quoted the words of Christ in scripture in his criticisms by saying that it is the Peacemakers who are blessed.
Speaking to reporters Monday while traveling from Rome to Algiers, Leo gave some more context to his criticisms. “I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do,” he said. When asked about Trump’s remarks, the pope added: “It’s ironic — the name of the site itself. Say no more," referring to Truth Social.
The pope said that his statements were not intended as personal attacks. “The things I say are not meant as attacks on anyone,” Leo said. “I do not look at my role as being political, a politician. I don’t want to get into a debate with him. I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.”
Leo also reiterated his opposition to war, saying: “I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.”
The exchange follows a series of increasingly direct remarks from the pope in recent days, including criticism of military action in Iran and warnings against invoking religious language to justify conflict.
Trump has posted several digitally generated images of himself over the past year, including previous depictions referencing religious and monarchical imagery. Some of those posts have drawn criticism from religious figures and political commentators.
The latest developments come as Congress prepares to return to Washington following a two-week recess.
This article has been updated to reflect current developments.
