Trump Posts Christlike Image After Criticizing Pope

The president shared a biblical depiction of himself healing a man, hours after lashing out at Pope Leo XIV's criticism of U.S. military actions.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:41am

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A fractured, abstract painting in patriotic colors depicting the silhouette of a figure in a biblical robe with outstretched arms, surrounded by smaller figures in awe, conceptually representing the divisive political and religious messaging from the White House.A controversial presidential social media post portrays the commander-in-chief as a Christ-like healer, further inflaming tensions with the Catholic Church leadership.Washington Today

Just hours after criticizing Pope Leo XIV on social media for his liberal views and opposition to U.S. military actions, President Trump posted an image depicting himself as a Christlike figure laying healing hands on a bedridden man. The post came after Trump told reporters he was 'not a fan' of the pope, who has been critical of the U.S. military's involvement in Venezuela and Iran.

Why it matters

Trump's social media posts attacking the pope and then portraying himself in a saintly manner underscore the president's ongoing efforts to appeal to his evangelical base while also stoking division and controversy. The exchange highlights the tensions between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church leadership over issues of war, peace, and the role of faith in politics.

The details

In his initial social media post, Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV as 'a very liberal person' who should 'stop catering to the Radical Left' and focus on being 'a Great Pope, not a Politician.' Hours later, Trump shared an image of himself wearing a biblical-style robe and laying healing hands on a bedridden man, with soldiers, a nurse, and others looking on admiringly. The image depicts Trump in a Christlike pose, suggesting he has saintly or miraculous powers.

  • On April 13, 2026, Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on social media.
  • Later that same day, Trump posted the image of himself as a Christlike figure.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who has frequently clashed with Pope Leo XIV over political and religious issues.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church who has been critical of U.S. military actions under the Trump administration, particularly in Venezuela and Iran.

Archbishop Paul Coakley

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who issued a statement expressing disappointment in Trump's comments about the pope.

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What they’re saying

“'God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.'”

— Pope Leo XIV

“'I don't want a Pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States. I don't want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I'm doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.'”

— President Donald Trump

“'Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.'”

— Archbishop Paul Coakley, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

What’s next

The White House has not indicated whether President Trump plans to further address his criticism of Pope Leo XIV or the controversial image he posted. It remains to be seen if this exchange will escalate tensions between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church leadership.

The takeaway

Trump's social media posts attacking the pope and then portraying himself in a saintly manner underscore the president's ongoing efforts to appeal to his evangelical base while also stoking division and controversy. The exchange highlights the deep ideological divides between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church leadership over issues of war, peace, and the role of faith in politics.