Trump Set to Read Bible Verses in Week-Long 'America Reads the Bible' Livestream Amid Pope Francis Feud

President Donald Trump is preparing to participate in a remarkable religious initiative that comes at a time when his relationship with Catholic leadership has reached new lows. The 79-year-old commander-in-chief will join nearly 500 Americans in reading from the Bible during the week-long "America Reads the Bible" livestream, scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 21.

A Presidential Proclamation of Faith

Event organizers announced Trump's participation on their website Friday, positioning the reading as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. The marathon reading will take place at the Museum of the Bible on the National Mall, with participants from across the nation joining virtually.

"This week, I send my best wishes to every citizen gathered at the Museum of the Bible, on the National Mall, and all across our country participating in America Reads the Bible, a historic initiative," Trump said in his official White House statement. The president emphasized how "the truths of Holy Scripture [remain] deeply embedded in our culture — not only within the walls of our churches but in our homes, schools, courtrooms and public square."

The timing couldn't be more significant, as Trump uses this religious platform to reinforce his administration's commitment to Christian values during America's semiquincentennial year.

Celebrating Biblical Foundations

Trump's statement revealed the ambitious scope of the initiative, noting that "leaders in faith, government, business and entertainment will read every verse and chapter of the Bible" throughout the week-long event. The president framed this as an opportunity for citizens to "rediscover the Biblical truths that have animated our republic for two and a half centuries."

"Today, during our 250th year of American independence, the America Reads the Bible initiative invites all citizens to once again acknowledge our nation's extraordinary Biblical foundations," Trump declared, positioning the event as both a spiritual renewal and patriotic celebration.

The president concluded his statement with a powerful call to action: "Together, we will honor Holy Scripture, renew our faith, usher in a historic resurgence of religion on American shores and rededicate the United States as one Nation under God."

Controversy and Conflict with the Vatican

This religious showcase comes amid escalating tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, creating a stark contrast between the president's public displays of faith and his ongoing feud with Catholic leadership. The conflict intensified after Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ, drawing sharp criticism from religious leaders worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV didn't mince words in his response to the Trump administration's policies, writing on X: "God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs."

The pontiff's statement continued with a pointed critique: "Military action will not create space for freedom or times of Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples."

Trump Fires Back at the Pope

Never one to back down from a fight, Trump responded forcefully via his Truth Social platform, launching a blistering attack on Pope Leo XIV. The president slammed the pope as "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," escalating the diplomatic crisis.

"I don't want a pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Trump wrote in his April 12 post. "I don't want a pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a country that was sending massive amounts of drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our country."

This unprecedented public confrontation between an American president and the Pope highlights the complex intersection of faith, politics, and international relations in the Trump era.

A Strategic Religious Reset?

Trump's participation in "America Reads the Bible" appears strategically timed to counter criticism about his controversial religious imagery and papal conflict. By positioning himself alongside faith leaders in this highly visible religious initiative, the president seems intent on reinforcing his credentials with evangelical and Christian voters who form a crucial part of his political base.

The week-long event promises to be a significant moment in American religious and political life, combining patriotic celebration with spiritual renewal during this milestone anniversary year. Whether it will help heal the rifts Trump has created with some religious leaders remains to be seen.