Live updates: Trump won’t apologize to pope, pulls controversial Jesus post; Strait of Hormuz blockade in effect

The Hill reports on multiple concurrent developments: President Trump removed an AI-generated image post depicting him as Jesus after backlash, refused to apologize to Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's opposition to the Iran conflict, and implemented a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. The article is bylined to Hill Staff and covers breaking developments through live updates, though the description provided lacks specific quotes or named sources beyond the Trump administration's actions. Corroborating coverage from the New York Times, BBC, and NBC News confirms the blockade's implementation but adds critical detail: the U.S. is blocking ships entering or departing Iranian ports while explicitly NOT impeding transit through the Strait itself—a notable retreat from Trump's earlier threats. The Independent and BBC also report oil prices spiking near $150 per barrel and maritime warnings to vessels in the region. A reader should monitor whether Trump's stated openness to Iranian negotiations materializes, whether the selective blockade strategy (ports vs. strait transit) sustains or escalates, and whether oil markets continue volatile trading as shipping costs rise.