Washington, Apr 14: US President Donald Trump has deleted an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure following widespread backlash from church leaders, conservative voices and political figures across the spectrum.

The image, shared on Trump’s Truth Social platform, showed him dressed in a white robe placing a hand on a man’s head in a scene resembling a healing. The post came shortly after Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”.

The post was removed within a day, but not before it triggered sharp criticism, with many calling it offensive and inappropriate.

Trump later defended the image, telling reporters it depicted him “as a doctor” linked to humanitarian work, adding that “only the fake news” interpreted it otherwise.

Senior Catholic figures condemned both the image and Trump’s remarks about the pope. Archbishop Paul S Coakley described the comments as “disheartening”, asserting that the pope “is not a political rival but a spiritual leader”.

Other clergy emphasised the need for restraint and respect, praising Pope Leo XIV for advocating peace and dialogue amid global conflicts.

Responding to the controversy, the pope avoided direct confrontation but reiterated his stance against war, saying he would continue to promote “peace, dialogue and multilateral solutions”.

The backlash extended beyond religious circles, with several conservative commentators also taking issue with the post. Some described the image as “blasphemous”, while others questioned Trump’s judgment, urging greater humility.

Political opponents also weighed in, criticising the move as self-aggrandising and inappropriate for a sitting president.

The episode highlights growing tensions between Washington and the Vatican, particularly over issues such as war, immigration and foreign policy. Trump’s recent remarks targeting the pope have added strain to an already uneasy relationship.