US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh attention online after sharing an AI-generated image of himself in a Jesus-like portrayal, shortly after criticising Pope Leo XIV.
The digitally-created image showed Trump dressed in flowing robes, placing his hand on a sick man, with light radiating from his fingers. The scene appeared to mirror a biblical-style miracle, resembling the account of Jesus raising Lazarus.
Sharp remarks against the Pope
Earlier, Trump had publicly criticised the pontiff, saying he was "not a fan" and claiming the Pope was "not doing a very good job". He also described him as "very liberal" and accused him of being sympathetic to what he called the "Radical Left".
Trump argued that the Pope should focus on religious responsibilities rather than political commentary, particularly on matters involving the United States and foreign policy.
Also Read | FBI busts global phishing empire that scammed millions worldwide
He further escalated his criticism by calling the Pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy", adding that he did not want a religious leader who appeared to justify adversaries acquiring nuclear weapons.
Symbolism in the AI-generated image
The image shared by Trump combined religious and patriotic elements. Alongside the central figure, visuals included American flags, military aircraft, eagles, and angelic imagery, creating a blend of spiritual symbolism and national themes.
The post quickly drew attention due to its timing and visual messaging, coming soon after his remarks about the Pope.
Not the first such post
This is not the first time Trump has shared AI-generated religious imagery. In May 2025, he had posted an image of himself dressed in papal robes after joking that he would "like to be pope", which also drew widespread reactions online.
The latest exchange follows comments by Pope Leo XIV, who had spoken about a "delusion of omnipotence" influencing global conflicts, including tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Also Read | Birthday turns tragic: Indian techie dies in US waterfall accident
Trump also suggested that the Pope's American background may have played a role in his selection and reiterated that the Church should not interfere in decisions made by elected governments.
