Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has come under fire for a controversial comment made on social media. In a recent post, he implied a connection between Vice President JD Vance and the death of Pope Francis, leading to significant public backlash.
The incident occurred shortly after the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing at the age of 88. Jack Schlossberg took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted, “Okay JD killed the pope,” without providing any context or evidence. The remark quickly went viral, amassing over 470,000 views and attracting widespread criticism.
Okay JD killed the pope
— Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) April 21, 2025
Many users condemned the comment as “shameful,” “insensitive,” and “disrespectful.” Given Schlossberg’s familial ties to the Catholic Church, critics expected a more measured response. Some urged him to reconsider his approach to public discourse, especially on sensitive topics.
Jack Schlossberg, also known as John “Jack” Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, is the only grandson of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy. He is the son of Caroline Kennedy and has been recognized for his academic achievements, including degrees from Yale University and Harvard Law and Business Schools. Schlossberg is also active on social media, where he shares his views on politics and personal interests.
The timing of Schlossberg’s comment coincided with Vice President JD Vance’s recent meeting with Pope Francis. Vance, a Catholic convert, met the Pope privately during an Easter visit to Rome. The meeting was brief but reportedly meaningful, with Vance expressing his prayers and gratitude to the Pontiff.
Following the Pope’s death, Vance issued a heartfelt statement expressing his condolences to Christians worldwide. He reflected on their recent encounter and shared one of Pope Francis’ notable prayers from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died of a massive stroke. Cardinal Kevin Farrell stated that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m., surrounded by the tranquility of the Vatican grounds. He described Pope Francis as “a true disciple” dedicated to serving the marginalized.
Jack Schlossberg‘s comment has sparked a broader discussion about the responsibilities of public figures in addressing sensitive topics, especially those involving prominent religious and political leaders.
