US President Donald Trump posted a picture on his social media platform showing himself as a Saint in Papal robes who is blessing and healing someone sick, inviting widespread criticism from people and some even describing it as ‘sacrilege.’
The reaction to his AI-generated picture is sharply divided between condemnation for perceived sacrilege and defence of the imagery as a joke or a sign of “servant leadership,” according to The Time Magazine.
About 170 school girls were killed in a US-Israeli air attack in Iran on February 28. Ironically, Trump said the incident happened because of a misdirected Iranian missile.
Public response within the United States to Trump’s picture has focused on the intersection of politics and faith, particularly among religious and political leaders.
Catholic groups, including the New York State Catholic Conference, condemned the Papal image as disrespectful and a “mockery” of their faith. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York described it as a brutta figura (a bad impression).
There has been massive political backlash as well. Critics described the post as “unserious” and evidence of a leader “incapable” of his office.
However, many of his supporters viewed the imagery as humorous or “tongue-in-cheek.”
Some went further, interpreting such depictions (including images of him with Jesus) as symbolic of his “tireless fight” and “servant leadership”.
Trump himself claimed that “Catholics loved it” and dismissed the backlash as a “fake news media” fabrication, while suggesting that the image might have been created by AI without his direct involvement.
The international community has largely reacted with confusion among and criticism from European political figures. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized Trump for “insulting institutions” and acting like a “clown” during the sensitive period of the Papal conclave.
Official spokespersons for the Vatican have declined to comment directly on the imagery.
Platforms like X and Facebook saw “exploding” debates where international users questioned if the imagery was a serious symbolic statement or a bizarre theatrical stunt.
This religious imagery follows other recent controversies regarding Trump’s visual representation. In early 2025, Trump demanded removal of his official portrait from the Colorado State Capitol, calling it “purposefully distorted” and “truly the worst”.
He subsequently replaced the “distorted” portrait with a new painting by “Christian worship artist” Vanessa Horabuena, whom he praised as “highly talented”.
While unusual in modern US context, several world leaders have historically used similar “messianic” or saint-like imagery to bolster their authority through a cult of personality.
This behaviour often involves the “sacralization” of politics, where a leader is portrayed not just as a politician, but as a divine or spiritual saviour.
There have been leaders who have used religious or spiritual imagery to present themselves as “saints” or “divine” figures.
Iran’s Spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in an attack by US-Israeli Air Force on February 28, is described as ‘martyr’ since he was killed along with several of his associates during the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and media tycoon who often referred to himself as the “Jesus Christ of Italian politics,” claimed he sacrificed himself for the good of everyone.
Haiti’s Francois ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier modelled his public image on Baron Samedi, a powerful spirit in Haitian Vodou. He even distributed a famous poster showing Jesus Christ standing with a hand on Duvalier’s shoulder with the caption, “I have chosen him”.
Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez was popularly “sanctified” after his death. A chapel was dedicated to “Holy Hugo Chávez,” and prayers were adapted to honour him as a moral and spiritual symbol of the revolution.
Teodoro Obiang Ngeuma Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea was declared by the State-operated radio as “country’s God” with “all power over men and things,” claiming he is in permanent contact with the Almighty.
Such leaders typically share several common behavioural traits used to maintain control including divine legitimacy, infallibility, and martyrdom/sacrifice.
Several African dictators have used messianic imagery, divine claims, or “miraculous” healing powers to entrench their authority. This behaviour often blurs the line between political leadership and religious worship.
Uganda’s Idi Amin, while he didn’t typically pose as a saint in paintings, he used “divine instructions” to justify major policy shifts. He claimed that God appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to expel the Asian population from Uganda. He also adopted grandiose, almost mystical titles, including “Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas”.
Yahya Jammeh of Gambia took the “healing touch” quite literally. In 2007, he claimed to have a divine mandate to cure HIV/AIDS, asthma, and infertility using a secret herbal concoction and prayer. He was frequently filmed “treating” patients by rubbing them with herbs and reciting from the Quran, insisting they stop taking conventional medicine. Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo, established a “cult of personality” where he was officially referred to as the “Messiah, Savior of the people,” and “Guide of the Revolution”. State television began news broadcasts with an image of him appearing to descend from the clouds like a deity.
Jean-Bédel Bokassa of Central African Republic declared himself an “Emperor” in a lavish 1977 ceremony modelled after Napoleon’s coronation. He sought to elevate his status to a divine-right monarch, spending a massive portion of the national budget to create an image of imperial and spiritual majesty.
Malawi’s Hastings Kamuzu Banda styled himself as a “Life President” and “Father of the Nation,” requiring his portrait to be displayed in every business and banning any other images that might compete with his “quasi-divine” status.
According to experts, the leaders claim that their power comes from a higher authority rather than just voters, projecting an image where they can “do no wrong” and are the sole protectors of the nation.
Using ubiquitous portraits, slogans, and even adapted religious hymns to ensure the leader’s image is inescapable, they present political struggles or legal challenges as “persecution” or “martyrdom” to deepen the emotional bond with followers.
RAMESH BHAN
