Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has faced significant backlash online following a controversial social media post made shortly after the announcement of Pope Francis’s death at 88. Schlossberg’s comment on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that U.S. Vice President JD Vance was somehow responsible for the Pope’s passing, which many interpreted as a tasteless joke or political jab. The post quickly went viral, attracting over 470,000 views and sparking outrage from users across the political spectrum.
Critics were quick to express their disapproval, labeling Schlossberg’s words as shameful and disrespectful, especially given his family’s deep Catholic roots. Many felt that the timing of the comment was particularly inappropriate, as the world was mourning a religious leader known for his humility and commitment to peace. Schlossberg, who has a prominent public profile and is seen as a potential political figure, faced calls to delete the post or issue an apology, but he did not immediately retract his statement.
The context surrounding Schlossberg’s comment added to the controversy. Just a day before the Pope’s death, Vice President Vance had met with Pope Francis in a personal audience, where he expressed his prayers for the ailing pontiff. Following the news of the Pope’s passing, Vance shared a heartfelt tribute, highlighting the Pope’s impact on millions of Christians worldwide. In stark contrast, Schlossberg’s post was perceived as a crude attempt at humor during a moment of collective grief.
As the internet continues to react to both the Pope’s death and Schlossberg’s comment, discussions have emerged about the responsibilities of public figures and the appropriateness of their remarks in sensitive situations. The fallout from Schlossberg’s post raises questions about how we honor the legacies of influential individuals and the impact of social media on public discourse. As one user pointedly remarked, perhaps Schlossberg should reflect on how to uphold his dignity in light of his family’s storied history.
