Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV as AI Image Sparks Backlash

Miami's archbishop weighs in on the growing feud between the president and the pontiff.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:06am

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A fractured, overlapping painting of a political figure in motion, with geometric shapes and waves of color, conveying a sense of speed and energy in the style of the Italian Futurist artist Giacomo Balla.As tensions between political and religious leaders escalate, a controversial AI-generated image sparks a debate over the appropriate use of religious imagery in the public sphere.Today in Miami

A growing public feud between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV is drawing sharp reactions from religious leaders and political observers alike, after a controversial social media post and escalating criticism between the two men. Trump said he is "not a fan" of the pope, while the pope declined to engage directly with the president's criticism, saying he will continue promoting peace.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights a deeper divide between political power and religious leadership, playing out publicly at a time of global instability. The controversy over the AI-generated image of Trump in a Christ-like form has sparked backlash from Christians across the political spectrum.

The details

Trump shared and later deleted an AI-generated image of himself that many interpreted as portraying him in a Christ-like form. The president defended the post, saying it was misunderstood and had to do with the Red Cross. However, the image sparked backlash from Christians, with critics calling it inappropriate and offensive. At the Archdiocese of Miami, Archbishop Thomas Wenski offered a measured response, acknowledging multiple interpretations of the image and noting that differences between world leaders are not unusual.

  • On April 14, 2026, President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV.
  • The controversial AI-generated image was posted and later deleted by Trump.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has criticized Pope Leo XIV and defended a controversial AI-generated image of himself.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has declined to engage directly with President Trump's criticism and has reiterated his focus on promoting peace.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski

The Archbishop of Miami, who offered a measured response to the controversy and noted that differences between world leaders are not unusual.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to get into a debate with him. I don't fear Trump or his administration and will continue promoting peace.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“It could be a doctor that's looking very Christ-like... Jesus was a doctor of souls.”

— Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami

“The Pope is a big boy... he has thick skin. He will continue to witness the Gospel... in season and out of season.”

— Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami

“No, I don't, because Pope Leo said things that are wrong.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.