The Latin Patriarchal Vicar of Jerusalem, Bishop William Shomali has criticised US President Donald Trump over a post in which he appeared to compare himself to Jesus Christ, describing the act as “offensive and unacceptable.”
Shomali’s remarks followed the circulation of a digitally altered image shared by Trump depicting himself with features resembling Jesus, in the context of criticism directed at Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff spoke against US and Israeli military operations against Iran.
The Jerusalem church official said that ongoing military actions contradict Christian teachings, emphasizing that Jesus represents humility, service, and self-sacrifice, rather than domination or exclusion.
READ: Trump attacks Pope Leo, posts ‘shocking’ image as Christ
He described Trump’s actions as a form of self-aggrandizement, adding that the manner in which the comparison was made constitutes a direct insult that cannot be accepted.
Shomali stressed that such behaviour contradicts core Christian values, particularly the principle of “love of neighbour,” noting that public positions should reflect these principles.
He also indicated that the Vatican opposes military operations against Iran, and that criticism of the escalation is shared by a number of Catholic leaders, including in the United States.
The comments come amid growing international and domestic criticism of US foreign policy and its coordination with Israel in the ongoing conflict.
READ: Iran’s parliament speaker backs Pope Leo after Trump criticism
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