Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended Pope Leo XIV and criticised Donald Trump for using an artificial intelligence-generated image portraying himself as Jesus.
“Nobody needs to be afraid of anyone,” Lula said in an interview with Brazilian outlets in Brasília, backing the Pope’s criticism of Trump.
Lula also condemned the controversial AI-generated image, saying it does not contribute to those who believe in multilateralism and democracy.
Read more about this topic: Trump announces blockade of Iranian ports and criticizes Pope after failed talks (with video)
“That image of Jesus Christ — honestly, it doesn’t help anyone who believes in the multilateral system and democracy,” he said.
The remarks follow sharp criticism by Trump of the Pope over his opposition to the war with Iran, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. Trump accused the pontiff of being “weak on crime and terrible in foreign policy.”
In response, Pope Leo XIV said he does not fear the US administration and reaffirmed his commitment to “raising his voice to build peace.”
