A senior Catholic Church official in Jerusalem has strongly criticized United States President Donald Trump over his recent comparison of himself to Jesus Christ, describing the act as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with Christian teachings.
The remarks were made by Bishop William Shomali, General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in an interview with Anadolu on Monday. His comments come amid growing international controversy surrounding Trump’s social media activity and his escalating dispute with Pope Leo XIV.
Shomali said that while Jesus Christ remains a central model for Christians, emulation must be rooted in humility, service, and sacrifice rather than power or dominance.
“If we consider Jesus Christ as a model, then we should emulate him—but that should be through his humility, spirit of service, and self-sacrifice, not through a desire for domination, authority, and marginalizing others,” he stated.
He added that the problem was not simply the idea of emulation, but the manner in which Trump appeared to present himself.
“Therefore, the problem is not that he (Trump) tries to emulate Jesus Christ, but rather that he tries to present himself as if he were a superhuman and great figure. This is not acceptable and is rejected,” Shomali said.
Criticism Over Christian Principles and War
Bishop Shomali also criticized Trump’s conduct in relation to the recent conflict involving Iran, arguing that the actions taken during the war run contrary to fundamental Christian principles.
He emphasized that core Christian teachings include loving one’s neighbor and prioritizing peace, suggesting that recent political and military decisions associated with the Trump administration undermine those values.
Trump has not responded directly to the bishop’s remarks, but the criticism adds to a growing chorus of religious and international voices expressing concern over his rhetoric and public messaging.
Vatican and Church Position on Conflict
The bishop further noted that both the Vatican and broader Catholic leadership have expressed opposition to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. He said that Pope Leo XIV and many bishops in the United States have consistently advocated for restraint, diplomacy, and peace-building efforts rather than military escalation.
The comments reflect longstanding Vatican diplomatic positions, which generally emphasize nonviolence and negotiation in international disputes.
Trump’s Remarks About Pope Leo XIV
The controversy comes after Trump launched a public attack on Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” He also suggested that the Catholic Church’s leadership selection may have been influenced by political considerations linked to his administration.
The White House has not issued a detailed clarification on the remarks, and the Vatican has also remained largely silent in response to the direct criticism.
The dispute between Trump and the Pope has intensified diplomatic and religious tensions, drawing attention from Catholic leaders worldwide.
AI Image Controversy Sparks Backlash
Adding to the controversy, Trump recently shared—and later deleted—an artificial intelligence-generated image on his platform Truth Social that depicted him as Jesus Christ.
The AI-generated image showed Trump in religious attire performing a healing gesture, a portrayal that critics described as deeply offensive and theologically inappropriate. The post triggered widespread backlash from religious commentators, political opponents, and even some supporters.
This incident follows earlier controversies involving AI-generated content shared by Trump, which have also been removed after public criticism.
Growing Debate Over Religion, Politics, and Digital Media
The episode has intensified broader debates about the intersection of political leadership, religious symbolism, and artificial intelligence. Critics argue that such imagery risks blurring the line between political messaging and sacred religious representation, potentially inflaming tensions in already polarized societies.
Religious leaders, including Bishop Shomali, have warned that public figures must exercise caution when invoking or depicting sacred symbols, particularly in digital spaces where content spreads rapidly and can be misinterpreted or amplified.
As criticism mounts from both religious authorities and international observers, Trump’s recent actions continue to generate global debate over the boundaries of political expression and religious respect.
The comments from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem add significant weight to the controversy, highlighting concerns within the Christian community about how faith is portrayed in modern political discourse and digital media.
