US President Donald Trump has ignited a new wave of controversy by posting an AI-generated image of himself portrayed in a Christ-like manner, seemingly engaged in the act of “healing” the sick, on his social media platform, Truth Social.
This post coincides with a growing exchange of criticisms directed at Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump has labeled as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a detailed message shared separately.
The dispute originates from rising tensions regarding immigration issues and the ongoing situation in Iran, where the Pope has publicly advocated for restraint and peace.
In his remarks, Trump accused the Pope of being aligned with the “Radical Left” and criticized his views on nuclear strategy as well as US foreign interventions, particularly in Venezuela. He further questioned the legitimacy of the Pope’s rise to the papacy, suggesting it was politically motivated and linked to his own tenure as president.
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump stated, asserting that the Pope’s election was influenced by his American nationality.
Additionally, he made a personal remark expressing a preference for the Pope’s brother, whom he described as a supporter of his “MAGA” initiative.
The Vatican has yet to issue a formal response to Trump’s latest comments.
This exchange represents a rare and direct public clash between a current US president and the papacy, underscoring significant divisions concerning war, immigration, and the intersection of religion and politics.
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