Iranian President Condemns Trump's AI Image of Himself as Jesus

Masoud Pezeshkian defends Pope Leo XIV from Trump's attacks, calling the AI image a 'desecration of Jesus'

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:24pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in shades of red, white, and blue, depicting an AI-generated image of Donald Trump as Jesus Christ, with overlapping, fractured brushstrokes conveying a sense of political and religious tension.The Iranian president's condemnation of Trump's AI-generated image as a 'desecration of Jesus' reflects the deepening divide between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the Vatican's efforts to promote peace amid escalating global conflicts.Chicago Today

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned President Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ, calling it a 'desecration of Jesus' that is 'not acceptable to any free person.' Pezeshkian defended Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, from Trump's attacks, amid growing tensions between Washington and the Vatican.

Why it matters

The feud between Trump and the Vatican has escalated in recent years over issues like the administration's policies on Iran, immigration, and the use of Christianity to justify military action abroad. Pezeshkian's defense of Pope Leo XIV highlights the deepening divide between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the broader tensions between the Trump administration and religious leaders who have criticized its agenda.

The details

Trump shared the AI image on his Truth Social platform on Orthodox Easter, but it was deleted by Monday morning. The image depicted Trump as Jesus Christ, blessing a man while a praying woman, a nurse, and a soldier look on. In the background were American symbols like the flag and the Statue of Liberty. Pezeshkian condemned the 'desecration of Jesus' and praised Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, who has been critical of Trump's policies.

  • Trump shared the AI image on Truth Social on Sunday, April 12, 2026, which aligned with Orthodox Easter.
  • The image was deleted at some point on Monday, April 13, 2026, amid backlash.

The players

Masoud Pezeshkian

The President of Iran, who condemned Trump's AI image as a 'desecration of Jesus' and defended Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pope, who has been critical of Trump's policies and has spoken out against war and in favor of promoting peace and dialogue.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who shared the AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ on his Truth Social platform.

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What they’re saying

“'His Holiness Pope Leo XIV... I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.'”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran

“'I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way.'”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

What’s next

The Vatican has not indicated any immediate plans to respond further to Trump's actions, but tensions between the U.S. and the Holy See are likely to continue as Pope Leo XIV maintains his vocal criticism of the former president's policies.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing divide between the Trump administration and religious leaders who have condemned the former president's use of Christian imagery and rhetoric to justify his policies. It also underscores the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the Vatican's efforts to promote peace and dialogue in the face of escalating global conflicts.