Trump to join public Bible reading as Pope Leo clash simmers

The Hill
by Ryan Mancini
April 18, 2026
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2 min read

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President Trump will participate in a public Bible reading event amid a clash with Pope Leo XIV.

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President Trump announced he will participate in a public, marathon Bible reading event this weekend. The event, "America Reads the Bible," organized by Christians Engaged, will feature Trump among other participants and is scheduled to run for a week starting Saturday evening. This announcement comes amidst an ongoing conflict between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV. The President's involvement in the public reading could be seen as a religious affirmation during this period of tension.

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President Trump announced his participation in the "America Reads the Bible" event.

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Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV

President Trump engaged in an unprecedented public feud with Pope Leo XIV, causing division among US Catholics and drawing international attention. The dispute escalated during the Pope's African tour, with many observing that Trump's attacks inadvertently strengthened the Pope's public voice.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV

President Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV, labeling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy,' particularly regarding the Iran war. The Pope, on an international visit, responded by stating he has 'no fear' of the Trump administration, escalating an unusual public feud between the two.

Pope Leo XIV's Papal Visit to Algeria and Response to Trump

Pope Leo XIV embarked on a historic 11-day papal tour to Africa, beginning with a visit to Algeria, the first by a pontiff. During his visit, he called for peace and addressed criticisms from President Trump, stating he has 'no fear' of the administration, highlighting the growing importance of Africa to the Catholic Church and the Vatican's stance on global issues.

Trump's Controversial AI Jesus Image and Pope Leo Feud

President Trump faced widespread criticism and backlash for posting an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure on social media. This incident coincided with a public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, where the Pope responded to Trump's criticisms by stating he had 'no fear' of the administration.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy

President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff as 'weak' on various issues. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism and concern.

Trump's AI Image as Jesus and Feud with Pope Leo

President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later claimed was meant to portray him as a doctor. This incident, combined with his public criticisms of Pope Leo XIV, has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debate about his behavior and religious commentary.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image

President Donald Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict. This was further complicated by Trump sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism from religious leaders and the public.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy

President Donald Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff and later posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. This sparked widespread criticism and debate, particularly among Catholic voters.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image

President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff for his comments on the war in Iran. Amidst this, Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which drew widespread criticism and further controversy.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Backlash

President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff for his views on the Iran war. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread condemnation from Christian conservatives and Catholic leaders.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Image Controversy

President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff as 'weak' and 'terrible for foreign policy.' The controversy intensified when Trump posted, then deleted, an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism and accusations of blasphemy from Christian conservatives.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and Jesus-like Image

President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran war. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing significant backlash from Christian conservatives and others.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Image Controversy

President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict. This dispute was exacerbated by Trump posting and later deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Controversy

President Donald Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on U.S. foreign policy and the war in Iran. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread backlash.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and Jesus Image Controversy

President Trump's social media post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, coupled with an escalating feud with Pope Leo XIV, has sparked widespread controversy. The image, later deleted, drew criticism from religious leaders and political figures alike, highlighting deep-rooted tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and 'Jesus' Image Controversy

President Donald Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV intensified after Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. The image drew widespread criticism for blasphemy and sparked a debate among religious leaders and political commentators.

Trump's Controversial AI Image and Feud with Pope Leo

Donald Trump sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, which he later deleted after significant backlash. This incident further fueled his ongoing public feud with Pope Leo, whom Trump has criticized as 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy'.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and AI Image Controversy

President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo, criticizing the pontiff's stance on foreign policy and war. This conflict was exacerbated by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, drawing significant backlash from religious leaders and conservatives.

Trump's AI Image and Feud with Pope Leo Spark Controversy

President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later deleted after widespread criticism. This incident is intertwined with an ongoing public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump has criticized for his views on the Iran war and other issues.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and 'AI Jesus' Image Controversy

President Trump is engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, primarily over the Iran war. The controversy intensified after Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, leading to widespread backlash and concerns among Catholic voters.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy

President Trump is embroiled in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, stemming from the Pope's criticism of the Iran war. The controversy deepened after Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing bipartisan backlash and dismay from Catholics.

Trump's AI Jesus Image Controversy and Feud with Pope Leo

President Donald Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure, sparking bipartisan backlash and dismay among US Catholics. This incident further fueled an ongoing feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, who has criticized Trump's stance on the Iran war.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy

President Trump is engaged in an escalating feud with Pope Leo XIV, primarily over the pontiff's criticism of the Iran war. The controversy deepened after Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, drawing widespread backlash and comments from political figures and religious leaders.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo and Mental Acuity Concerns

President Trump is engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, stemming from the Pope's criticism of the Iran war and Trump's controversial AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. This, coupled with a pattern of erratic behavior, has led to questions about Trump's mental acuity.

Vice President Vance's Warning to Pope Leo and Trump's AI Jesus Image

Vice President JD Vance publicly warned Pope Leo to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, sparking controversy. Concurrently, House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed he asked President Trump to remove an AI-generated image depicting Trump as Jesus Christ, highlighting tensions around religious and political messaging.

Vice President Vance Criticizes Pope Leo on Theology

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters. This public admonition from a Catholic Vice President to the Pope has sparked controversy and discussion.

Vice President Vance's Comments on Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance has publicly admonished Pope Leo XIV (or Pope Francis in some reports), warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, particularly after the Pontiff's critique of Iran. These comments have sparked debate and drawn attention to the intersection of politics and religion.

Vice President JD Vance's Controversial Remarks on Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance has drawn attention and criticism for his public remarks regarding Pope Leo, specifically advising the Pontiff to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters. These comments, made at a conservative event, have sparked debate about the separation of church and state and the role of religious figures in political discourse.

Vice President JD Vance's Controversial Comments on Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance has drawn criticism for publicly warning Pope Leo to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters. These comments were made during a Turning Point USA event and followed a critique of Iran, sparking debate among religious and political figures.

Vice President JD Vance's Criticism of Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters and taking issue with the Pontiff's critique of Iran. This public admonition from Vance, a Catholic himself, has drawn attention and sparked debate.

Vice President Vance's Public Statements and Controversies

Vice President JD Vance has been making headlines for his campaign activities and controversial statements, particularly regarding Pope Leo XIV and his theological views. These comments have drawn both support and criticism, highlighting a growing divide within conservative circles.

Vice President Vance's Criticism of Pope Leo and Religious Commentary

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, advising him to 'be careful' when discussing theology and commenting on the US-Iran conflict. This has sparked debate and drawn reactions from various political and religious figures.

Vice President Vance and Pope Leo Controversy

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theology, particularly concerning Iran. This has led to heckling at public events and a broader discussion about religious and political interference.

VP Vance's Criticism of Pope Leo and Public Heckling

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theology, particularly concerning Iran. This stance has drawn attention, with Vance being heckled by antiwar protesters during a Turning Point USA event, highlighting growing dissent among some supporters.

JD Vance's Public Criticism of Pope Leo

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, particularly in relation to Iran. This has sparked controversy and heckling at public events.

Trump-Pope Leo XIV Rift and JD Vance's Comments

A public rift has emerged between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with Trump criticizing the Pope's stance on various issues. Vice President JD Vance has publicly weighed in, advising the Pope to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, potentially impacting political support among conservative Catholics.

VP Vance's Public Criticism of Pope Leo and Trump's Attacks

Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, advising him to 'be careful' when discussing theology, leading to heckling at a Turning Point USA event. This comes amidst President Trump's repeated attacks on Pope Leo, contributing to a public rift that is reportedly costing him support.

Criticism of Pope Leo XIV by Trump and Vance

President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, particularly regarding the Pope's stance on the Iran war and religion. This has drawn reactions from political figures and the Pope himself.

Trump's Criticism of Pope Leo XIV and Religious Posts

President Trump has engaged in an ongoing public dispute with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's calls for peace and stance on the Iran conflict. This has been accompanied by Trump's own controversial religious-themed social media posts, including AI-generated images.

Trump Administration's Strained Relationship with Pope Leo XIV

President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the Iran conflict and other political matters. This unusual tension has drawn reactions from political figures and religious experts, highlighting a divergence in views between the administration and the Vatican.

Trump Administration and Pope Leo XIV Conflict

Vice President Vance and other Trump administration officials have escalated criticism against Pope Leo XIV, warning him to 'be careful' and 'leave politics alone' after the Pope's critiques of Trump policies. This has ignited a theological debate and drawn comparisons to past papal political engagement.

Trump's Planned Triumphal Arch and 'Jesus' Meme Controversy

The Trump administration has unveiled plans for a 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. Separately, President Trump faced scrutiny for posting a 'Jesus' meme, which he discussed with an aide before posting.

Pope Leo XIV's Condemnation of 'Tyrants' and Trump Spat

Pope Leo XIV, during his visit to Cameroon, strongly condemned 'tyrants' who exploit the land and spend billions on wars, a statement widely interpreted as a rebuke of President Trump following a recent public disagreement. The Pope's remarks have drawn significant attention and commentary.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of 'Tyrants' and Spat with Trump

Pope Leo XIV, during his visit to Cameroon, strongly criticized 'tyrants' who spend billions on wars and exploit the world. These remarks came days after a public disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to calls for Trump to apologize.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of 'Tyrants' and Spat with Trump

Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned 'tyrants' who spend billions on wars, making these remarks during his visit to Cameroon. These statements came shortly after a public disagreement with President Trump, leading to calls for Trump to apologize to the Pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of 'Tyrants' and Trump Spat

Pope Leo XIV, during a visit to Cameroon, strongly condemned 'tyrants' for 'ravaging the Earth with war and exploitation.' These remarks came days after a public disagreement with President Donald Trump, leading to calls for Trump to apologize.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of 'Tyrants' Amidst Feud with Trump

Pope Leo XIV, during a visit to Cameroon, strongly condemned 'tyrants' for 'ravaging the Earth with war and exploitation.' These remarks came amidst a public disagreement with President Donald Trump, leading to speculation about the target of his criticism.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of 'Tyrants' Amidst Feud with Trump

Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned 'tyrants' who 'ravage the world with war and exploitation' during his visit to Cameroon. These remarks come amidst an ongoing public feud with President Trump, who has criticized the Pope.

Pope Leo XIV's Standoff with Trump and Condemnation of 'Tyrants'

Pope Leo XIV has issued strong condemnations against 'tyrants' ravaging the world with war and exploitation, remarks made amidst an ongoing feud with President Trump and his administration. The Pope's statements, including a declaration against manipulating religion, highlight a growing public disagreement.

Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of Religious Manipulation and Feud with Trump

Pope Leo XIV has publicly criticized those who 'manipulate religion' for political and military gain, remarks widely seen as a rebuke to the Trump administration. This has sparked a public feud, with implications for Trump's support among Catholic voters and responses from his allies.

Trump's Dispute with Pope Leo

President Trump's ongoing dispute with Pope Leo has become a significant talking point, with the Pope's Africa trip marked by an open clash. This conflict is reportedly deepening divisions within conservative political circles.

Trump's Public Clash with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV has escalated, transforming the Pope's public image and deepening divisions among conservative figures. The clash has become a significant talking point in political and religious circles.

Trump's Dispute with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute has escalated between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, transforming the Pope's public image and deepening divisions among conservative figures. The conflict has become a significant topic of discussion in both religious and political circles.

Trump's Dispute with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute has escalated between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, particularly during the Pope's African tour. This conflict has been noted for deepening divisions within conservative political circles and has been a topic of significant media coverage.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and its Impact on US Catholics

A deepening feud between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV is causing significant division within the US Catholic community and among political conservatives. The Pope's recent visit to Africa has been marked by this public clash, with some suggesting Trump's attacks have emboldened the Pontiff.

Pope Leo XIV and Trump Feud

A public feud erupted between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump, stemming from the Pope's remarks on 'tyrants' and the morality of war, which some interpreted as criticism of Trump and his administration's actions regarding Iran. This created a 'tough situation' for US Catholics.

Pope Leo XIV and Trump: A Public Clash

Pope Leo XIV and President Trump engaged in a public feud following remarks by the Pope that were widely interpreted as criticism of Trump. The Pope later clarified his comments were misinterpreted, stating it was 'not in his interest' to debate Trump, but the tensions highlighted divisions among U.S. Catholics.

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