Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is facing major criticism after a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) that many have called tone-deaf and disrespectful — especially in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing.
Shortly after news broke of the Pope’s death at age 88, Schlossberg wrote, “Okay JD killed the pope,” in a post that appeared to reference U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The timing raised eyebrows — Vance had just met with the pontiff in a private visit the day before the Vatican confirmed his death.
While some may have seen the comment as an attempt at humor or political sarcasm, it didn’t land well. The post quickly went viral, racking up over 470,000 views and prompting widespread backlash from people across the political and religious spectrum.
“This isn’t satire. It’s just shameful,” one commenter wrote. Others were more direct: “Total disrespect,” “Not funny,” and “You should know better,” some said, especially pointing to Schlossberg’s deep family ties to Catholicism and the Kennedy legacy.
Schlossberg, 31, is the only child of Caroline Kennedy, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, and a graduate of Yale and Harvard. With a visible online presence and a famous last name, he’s often seen as a potential future figure in Democratic politics. But critics say the post showed poor judgment — particularly during a global moment of mourning for a Pope remembered for his compassion and reform.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been battling respiratory illness and was reportedly in fragile health for months. According to Vatican officials, he died of a sudden and massive stroke early Monday morning in his residence at Casa Santa Marta.
Vice President Vance, who converted to Catholicism, had visited the Pope just after Easter Mass. Their meeting, described as warm and private, was captured in a brief video where Vance told the Pope, “I pray for you every day.” The pontiff, in return, offered Easter eggs as a gift for Vance’s children.
Following the announcement of the Pope’s death, Vance posted a tribute, calling Francis “a spiritual leader who inspired millions.” He included one of the Pope’s early COVID-era prayers in remembrance.
It was in the hours after this tribute that Schlossberg posted his now-infamous line — and so far, he has neither deleted the post nor issued a public apology. That silence has only added fuel to the fire, with some accusing him of politicizing a sacred moment.
The Vatican has since clarified that the Pope’s passing was due to a cerebral stroke, not any illness related to Vance’s visit, dismissing any speculation outright.
As tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis — who championed the poor, fought corruption, and redefined the papacy for a new generation — Schlossberg’s comment remains a flashpoint online. The situation has reignited discussions about the responsibility of public figures and the boundaries of humor, especially when it intersects with grief.
As one user pointedly commented, referencing Schlossberg’s famous grandfather: “JFK asked what we could do for our country. Jack should start by asking what he can do for his character.”
