How Trump’s Jesus-like image and feud with the Pope are sparking backlash
Trump’s Divine Image and Papal Dispute Ignite Controversy
President Donald Trump has drawn increasing criticism following a post on Truth Social that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure. The AI-generated visual, which has since been removed, depicted the leader seemingly curing a patient in a hospital setting. This came shortly after Trump published a detailed critique of Pope Leo XIII. The president later clarified he believed the image represented him as a physician. BBC reporter Sarah Smith delves into the tensions between Trump and the pontiff, while highlighting the reactions from his most loyal followers.
A New Record Set in Lunar Exploration
The Artemis II crew recently completed a historic nine-day journey, reaching a greater distance from Earth than any humans before. After their 10-day mission, the astronauts returned to Earth, marking the end of a groundbreaking orbit. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen became the first to venture into deep space as part of this voyage, a milestone recognized by the prime minister. BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle previewed the crew’s reflections ahead of their expected splashdown on Saturday.
“It is so great to hear from Earth again,” said astronaut Christina Koch upon reestablishing contact. The team surpassed Apollo 13’s 1970 record of 248,655 miles (400,171km), with plans to venture even further. The mission, though not including a lunar landing, is paving the way for NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon by 2028.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman’s spouse passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 46, adding a personal dimension to the mission. During their third day around the Moon’s far side, the crew shared video messages with loved ones, reflecting on their experiences. The astronauts also conducted experiments on the Orion spacecraft, such as simulating capsule navigation, as part of their training. Meanwhile, a commercial flight provided passengers with an unusual view of NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in half a century, launched from Florida. From close proximity, BBC’s Ione Wells reported on public sentiment during the Supreme Court hearing regarding Trump’s executive order.
The mission’s preparation involved rigorous checks, from spacesuit fittings to final communication systems tests. Despite delays and technical challenges, the launch successfully placed the crew into Earth’s orbit, setting the stage for future lunar exploration. As the U.S. aims to lead the next lunar landing by 2028, Artemis II serves as a critical stepping stone in this endeavor.