US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after sharing an image on social media depicting himself being embraced by a figure resembling Jesus Christ, amid escalating tensions involving the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV.
The image, reposted on Trump’s Truth Social account on April 15, shows him standing at a podium with an American flag in the background while appearing to touch foreheads with a depiction of Jesus.
Trump accompanied the post with a message saying critics from the “radical left” may disapprove, but he personally found the image “quite nice.”
The post comes just days after Trump shared another image portraying himself in a Jesus-like depiction, which drew widespread criticism from religious commentators before being removed.
The controversy has unfolded alongside an increasingly public exchange between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, who has been vocal on global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.
In earlier remarks, Trump also criticised the Pope on social media, referencing comments about international security issues and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Pope Leo XIV has previously spoken out against war and what he described as violations of international law, while maintaining he would continue to voice his positions despite political pressure.
US Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, urging the Pope to be cautious when speaking on theological matters, particularly regarding interpretations of conflict and morality.
The exchange has drawn mixed reactions, with Catholic organisations such as the Knights of Columbus defending the Pope’s calls for peace and dialogue amid global instability.
