How Trump’s Jesus-like image and feud with the Pope are sparking backlash
Artemis II Mission Breaks Distance Records
The Artemis II crew recently achieved a milestone by surpassing the previous Earth-distance record set during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. Their 10-day journey around the Moon took them farther from Earth than any humans have traveled in history, with the Orion spacecraft reaching 248,655 miles (400,171km) from the planet. Astronaut Christina Koch expressed relief upon re-establishing communication with Earth, stating, “It is so great to hear from Earth again.” The crew continues to explore the Moon’s far side, marking the third day of their orbital mission.
Canada’s first astronaut to venture into deep space, Jeremy Hansen, was part of the team that completed the historic voyage. The mission includes a range of scientific experiments and system tests, such as practicing capsule maneuvers. While the crew did not land on the Moon this time, NASA plans to achieve a lunar touchdown by 2028. The crew shared video messages with families, reflecting on their experiences and the challenges of space travel.
Trump’s Controversial Jesus-Like Image and Pope Dispute
President Donald Trump has sparked criticism after sharing an AI-generated image on Truth Social that portrayed him as a Christ-like figure. The image, which has since been removed, depicted Trump appearing to heal a sick man in a hospital bed. This post followed a scathing critique of Pope Leo XIV, which drew immediate backlash. Trump later clarified that he believed the image showed him as a physician rather than a religious leader.
News editor Sarah Smith of the BBC examined the president’s conflict with the Pope and the mixed reactions from his supporters. The dispute, combined with the symbolic imagery, has intensified debates about Trump’s public persona. Meanwhile, a separate event—the Great Marshmallow Drop—saw over 15,000 fluffy treats released from a helicopter, entertaining children as they competed to collect them.
Behind the Scenes of a Historic Launch
The Artemis II mission began with a delayed launch from Florida, where NASA’s most powerful rocket ever built carried the crew into Earth’s orbit. Observers, including BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle, watched the event from just three miles away. The mission’s success marks a significant step toward future lunar exploration, with the crew preparing for potential landings in the coming years.
Additionally, the crew’s preparation included rigorous checks from spacesuit fittings to final rocket communications. While the mission focuses on orbital achievements, it also highlights the broader goal of re-establishing human presence on the Moon. The US aims to lead this effort, with Artemis II serving as a critical test for future lunar endeavors.
