Donald Trump To Join Public Bible Reading Days After AI ‘Jesus’ Image Row

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 16:24 IST

Trump to read Bible via Oval Office video for America Reads The Bible amid tensions with Pope Leo over Iran, AI Jesus image, both sides now downplay talk of a feud.

Amid alleged rifts between the Vatican and the US President, Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in a public Bible reading from April 19.

“On April 21, President Trump is scheduled to read Scripture via video message from the Oval Office during the 6 p.m. EST hour," according to a press statement by the organisers. The event is called “America Reads The Bible."

This event is particularly notable due to his recent feud with Pope Leo over the Iran conflict and the backlash he received earlier this week for posting – and then deleting – an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus.

CNN quoted the organisers stating that Trump, in his video message, will read a passage from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, which includes the frequently quoted verse 14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

On Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance said in a post on X that portrayals of tensions between the Pope and the US administration were often overstated. “I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this. While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict–and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen–the reality is often much more complicated," the Vice President wrote.

Earlier, the Pope, speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Angola, sought to ease speculation of a feud. He said coverage of his earlier remarks had not been fully accurate and clarified that his comments about the world being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were prepared weeks before President Donald Trump’s criticism.

“As it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all," he said, adding, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration."

Tensions had risen after Trump reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," and warning of global consequences. He also criticised the Pope directly, urging him to recognise Iran’s actions.

News world Donald Trump To Join Public Bible Reading Days After AI ‘Jesus’ Image Row

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