The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement condemning the recent social media post by President Donald Trump that featured an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ, describing the act as a grave offense against the Christian faith and a troubling misuse of religious symbolism.

In the Monday, 13 April, 2026, statement released by the Commission, the Liaison Bishop warned that such representations trivialize the central mystery of Christianity—the Incarnation—and undermine the sacred identity of Christ, whom Scripture proclaims as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).

“The X post of President Trump featuring an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ is an image that trivializes the mystery of the Incarnation and the person of Christ,” the statement reads. “Any representation—whether by image or technological means—that attributes to a political leader the identity or likeness of Our Lord Jesus Christ is blasphemous and constitutes a grave offense against the Christian faith,” reads the statement signed by Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM.

Rejecting the rise of political idolatry

The Commission expressed deep concern about what it described as a growing trend of Christian nationalism that seeks to elevate political figures to quasi-religious status, warning that such tendencies distort the Gospel and threaten the integrity of Christian witness in public life.

Bishop Mbuyisa emphasized that the Church cannot remain silent when political leaders appropriate sacred symbols for ideological or personal purposes.

“As followers of Christ, we will not allow any earthly authority, however powerful, to claim a divine identity or to appropriate the symbols of faith in ways that obscure the truth of the Gospel,” he stated.

The statement further underscored that the actions of President Trump are rooted in a broader ideological current that encourages the worship of political leaders and portrays them as saviors of nations. Such tendencies, Bishop Mbuyisa warned, risk replacing authentic faith with political allegiance and reducing the Gospel to a tool of power.

“We firmly reject forms of Christian nationalism that encourage the worship of political leaders and portray them as bearing a salvific role for their nations, presenting them as ‘political messiahs’ tasked with making their nations great again,” the Commission declared.

Defense of the Petrine ministry

The Justice and Peace Commission also condemned recent attacks directed at Pope Leo XIV, affirming the Holy Father’s mission to proclaim peace and reconciliation in a world marked by conflict and division.

Bishop Mbuyisa described such attacks as unjust and harmful to the Church’s mission, noting that the Pope’s role is not political but pastoral and prophetic.

“We condemn President Trump’s attacks directed at Pope Leo XIV as he faithfully carries out his Petrine ministry, proclaiming the peace of the Risen Christ to a world wounded by personal and structural sin,” the statement said.

“I am not a politician, I speak of the Gospel”

Meanwhile, during brief interviews with journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria at the beginning of his Apostolic Journey to Africa, Pope Leo XIV addressed questions regarding the remarks made by President Trump, reiterating that his mission is rooted in the Gospel rather than political rivalry.

“I do not see my role as that of a politician,” the Holy Father said. “I am not a politician, and I do not want to enter into a debate with him.”

The Pope emphasized that the Church’s voice must remain firmly committed to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation, especially in a time marked by war, economic instability, and widespread human suffering.

“I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused as some are doing,” he continued. “I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.”

He renewed his appeal to all world leaders, urging them to choose peace over confrontation and service over power.

“Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way,” the Pope said. “Let us end wars and promote peace and reconciliation.”

A prophetic call in a time of global crisis

The SACBC Justice and Peace Commission concluded its statement by warning that the world stands at a critical crossroads, marked by escalating conflicts, economic uncertainty, and deepening social divisions. In such a context, the Church’s responsibility to speak truth and defend human dignity becomes even more urgent.

“There is much at stake in the current developments in our world: too many lives are being lost, too much suffering is borne by the most vulnerable, and too much evil persists,” the statement noted.

The Commission insisted that ridicule or hostility from political leaders will not silence the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of peace.

“The ridicule by President Trump will not deter the Church from speaking out and declaring the healing and peace of the Risen Lord into our wounded world,” Bishop Mbuyisa affirmed.

Echoing the message repeatedly proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV since the beginning of his pontificate, the bishops issued a final appeal to leaders across the globe:

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war. True strength is shown in serving life.”