How Trump’s Jesus-like image and feud with the Pope are sparking backlash
Trump’s Christ-like Persona and Clash with the Pope Ignite Controversy
Donald Trump’s latest image on Truth Social has stirred controversy, portraying him as a figure resembling Jesus. The AI-generated photo, which was later removed, depicted the president seemingly performing a healing act in a hospital setting. This post followed a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV, which Trump issued shortly before. The president later clarified that he believed the image showed him as a physician. BBC correspondent Sarah Smith delves into the tensions between Trump and the papal leadership, as well as how his loyalists are responding to the situation.
Apollo 13’s Record Shattered
The Artemis II crew recently set a new benchmark for Earth-Moon distance, surpassing the 248,655-mile (400,171km) mark previously achieved by Apollo 13 astronauts in 1970. Their 10-day mission included a journey to the far side of the Moon, with the crew continuing to push further from Earth. Upon re-establishing communication, astronaut Christina Koch expressed,
“It is so great to hear from Earth again.”
The Orion spacecraft’s journey has been a significant milestone, highlighting advancements in space exploration.
Among the crew, Commander Reid Wiseman’s wife passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 46, adding a personal dimension to the mission. The astronauts, who have undergone rigorous preparation from spacesuit fittings to final communication checks, are now sharing updates via video link with their loved ones. Meanwhile, the U.S. aims to lead the next lunar landing by 2028, with Artemis II serving as a critical step toward that goal. NASA conducted various experiments on the spacecraft, including practice maneuvers, to ensure readiness for future missions.
Public Engagement and Space Milestones
A rare public event occurred during the launch of NASA’s first crewed Moon mission in over half a century, as passengers on a commercial flight witnessed the historic takeoff from Florida. The BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle observed the event from just three miles away, capturing the moment the most powerful rocket ever built lifted off. Despite delays and technical challenges, the mission successfully entered Earth’s orbit, marking a pivotal achievement in space travel.
Before the launch, Rebecca Morelle spoke with protesters and attendees outside the Supreme Court hearing on Trump’s executive order, reflecting broader public discourse. The Artemis II crew, including Canada’s first astronaut to venture into deep space, Jeremy Hansen, has been actively documenting their experiences. Their mission, while not involving a lunar landing this time, is laying the groundwork for future exploration, with NASA preparing to land humans on the Moon again by 2028.