N.J.’s highest-ranking Catholic slams Trump for posting a Jesus-like image of himself–@
New Jersey’s most prominent Catholic leader is criticizing President Donald Trump after the Republican posted an AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark posted a statement on social media on Monday just as Trump removed the social media image that appeared to depict him as Jesus healing the sick. Tobin’s rebuke came on the morning after “60 Minutes” broadcast a joint interview with the Newark cardinal alongside Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich and Washington Cardinal Robert McElroy.
Cardinal Tobin’s Statement on Sacred Imagery
“Recent statements and actions by the President of the United States convey a grave misunderstanding of the Holy Father’s ministry and a troubling lack of respect for the faith of millions,” Tobin said. “The graphic exploitation of sacred imagery is deeply offensive and undermines the reverence owed to what believers hold most dear,” he added.
Trump took down the Jesus-like image about 13 hours after it was posted on social media and after it was criticized by some of the president’s religious supporters. At a news conference at the White House, Trump said he posted the image because he thought it portrayed him as a “doctor.”
Tensions Between Trump and Pope Leo
In the “60 Minutes” interview, all three cardinals reiterated Pope Leo’s criticisms of war and the targeting of immigrants by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Trump and Pope Leo have been feuding over the Iran war in recent days, with the president calling the Catholic leader “WEAK on crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” in a social media post.
Pope Leo responded by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration,” NBC News reported. In his statement on Monday, Tobin defended Pope Leo. “In response to recent events, I reaffirm that Pope Leo serves a higher authority and desires to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and advance the Church’s peaceful mission in a world deeply in need of healing,” Tobin said.
Church’s Message on Peace and Dignity
“He will continue to speak clearly against war and other offenses against human dignity and to call for authentic dialogue, because the Church’s witness is grounded in the peace of Christ, not in partisan interests,” Tobin added. The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics at 211 parishes in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.