An amateur photographer has captured what appears to be a figure of Christ coming down from the clouds in Argentina.

Monica Aramayo took the image in the city of San Salvador de Jujuy on her smartphone as the sun broke through the murky weather.

Some pointed out that the ghostly apparition even seemed to have a glowing crown of thorns similar to the one Jesus wore during the crucifixion.

Many have compared the figure to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The picture quickly went viral on social media and has polarised opinions between believers and non-believers.

Some saw it as a sign of the second coming of the Lord and to prepare for judgement day while others thought it was just a ray of sunshine.

Romina Salinas said: ‘If Jesus came back, he would make us all disappear because we are worth nothing.

‘I personally only see the sun coming through the clouds, but people see what they want to see.’

Meanwhile, Mariela Romano commented: ‘The Lord will soon come for us all and we should be ready.’

Carlos Daniel Nieva remarked: ‘Thanks for the image that allows us to keep on our path and have a better hope for tomorrow.’