How Trump’s Jesus-like image and feud with the Pope are sparking backlash
Trump’s Christ-like Image and Papal Dispute Ignite Debate
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, encountered rising criticism following a post on Truth Social where he appeared as a Christ-like figure. The AI-generated image, which has since been removed, portrayed Trump seemingly performing a miracle by healing a patient in a hospital bed. This came shortly after he published a detailed critique of Pope Leo XIV, intensifying tensions within the religious community. BBC’s Sarah Smith delves into the fallout from this controversy and the reactions from Trump’s staunchest followers.
“It is so great to hear from Earth again.” – Christina Koch, reflecting on reestablishing communication after the mission’s critical phase.
The Artemis II crew, currently in Earth’s orbit, marked the start of their 10-day lunar journey. Their voyage surpassed the previous record of 248,655 miles (400,171km) set by Apollo 13 astronauts in 1970, pushing humanity closer to the Moon than ever before. Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the first astronaut to venture into deep space during this mission, as highlighted by a call from the prime minister. The crew, however, will not land on the lunar surface this time, with NASA focusing on preparations for a future landing by 2028.
Artemis II Crew Shares Mission Highlights
The Artemis II astronauts, aboard the Orion spacecraft, conducted various experiments during their trip. These included simulating capsule maneuvers and testing systems under real conditions. A rare spectacle unfolded for passengers on a commercial flight, who watched from just three miles away as the most powerful rocket ever built launched from Florida. This marked the first crewed Moon mission in half a century, overcoming delays and technical hurdles to reach orbit.
Commander Reid Wiseman, whose wife passed away from cancer in 2020 at age 46, shared insights from the mission. The crew, now on the third day of navigating the Moon’s far side, emphasized their bond with families through video messages. The mission’s significance lies in its role as a stepping stone for NASA’s broader goal: returning humans to the lunar surface by 2028. Meanwhile, the president’s recent actions continue to spark discussions on his public persona and religious affiliations.