The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has strongly criticised recent social media activity by Donald Trump, describing it as “blasphemous” and reaffirming support for Pope Leo XIV and his message of peace.
In a statement issued by its Justice and Peace Commission, the bishops condemned an AI-generated image shared by Trump depicting himself as Jesus Christ, saying it “trivializes the mystery of the Incarnation” and undermines the core of Christian belief.
“Any representation… 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,” the statement said.
The bishops stressed that no political authority should appropriate sacred imagery or assume religious symbolism in ways that distort the Gospel.
“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.”
The Commission linked the development to what it described as a growing current of Christian nationalism, warning against tendencies that elevate political leaders to near-divine status.
“We firmly reject forms of Christian nationalism that encourage the worship of political leaders and portray them as bearing a salvific role… presenting them as ‘political messiahs’.”
In the same statement, the bishops condemned attacks directed at Pope Leo XIV, expressing solidarity with the Holy Father as he continues his Petrine ministry in a world marked by conflict and division.
“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 bishops insisted that ridicule or criticism would not deter the Church from speaking out on pressing global issues, especially at a time when lives are being lost and the vulnerable continue to suffer.
“The ridicule… will not deter the Church from speaking out and declaring the healing and peace of the Risen Lord into our wounded world.”
Reinforcing the Pope’s message, the Conference echoed a strong moral call to global leaders, urging a departure from self-interest and displays of power.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war. True strength is shown in serving life.”
The statement was issued by the Justice and Peace Commission of the bishops’ conference and signed by Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa.
The intervention by the Southern African bishops adds to a growing chorus within the global Church defending the integrity of Christian teaching while aligning with Pope Leo XIV’s continued call for peace, justice, and moral responsibility in an increasingly polarised world.
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