Trump initially criticized the pontiff on Monday, calling him “Weak on Crime, Weak on Nuclear Weapons” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.” Trump also shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Christ-like figure, which drew backlash from Christian commentators and some of his evangelical, political allies. The president later removed the image and claimed that it was not supposed to resemble Jesus, but him being a doctor.
For his part, the pope responded Monday to the White House fury, saying he had “no fear” of the Trump administration, and would not be silenced.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had close ties with Trump but also relies heavily on catholic voter support, backed the Vatican chief, saying it was his right “to call for peace and to condemn every form of war.”
Trump, in turn, blasted the Italian leader for her remarks Tuesday, saying they were “unacceptable” and that she was “no longer the same person.”
