Jack Schlossberg may be a Kennedy by blood, but the internet thinks he’s not John F. Kennedy.
The 31-year-old grandson of America’s 35th president is under fire for claiming, without evidence or context, that Vice President JD Vance was responsible for Pope Francis’ death.
What are his precise words? “Okay JD killed the pope.”
On Monday morning, as the world was still grieving from the news of Pope Francis’ death at age 88, Schlossberg signed on to X (previously Twitter) and blasted a message that rapidly went viral online:
“Okay JD killed the pope.”
However, the post, which appeared to be a joke (we think?), did not go as planned for Schlossberg. Within hours, it had garnered over 470,000 views, prompting fast criticism and a deluge of angry responses.
Critics called it “shameful,” “insensitive,” and “not funny.”
One person wrote, “Your words are shameful.”
Another said, “Are you kidding with this? “Just not funny – complete disrespect.”
A third was more blunt: “No, Johnny.” Perhaps it’s time to back off.”
Some even reminded Schlossberg that, given his family’s history and ties to Catholicism, he should know better.
Jack Schlossberg, also known as John “Jack” Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, is Caroline Kennedy’s youngest child and the sole grandson of former President John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Schlossberg, known for his grandfather’s charm and beautiful looks, is a social media influencer who uses Instagram to convey his political ideas, stupid photos, and humorous videos of himself speaking with remarkable accents.
He was also a Senate intern in 2011, and he attended Yale University for his undergraduate degree before going on to Harvard Law and Business School for his M.B.A. and J.D.
Vance met the Pope the day before he died.
Schlossberg’s tweet did not come out of nowhere; as many are aware, Vice President JD Vance had just visited with the Pope the day before his death.
Vance was in Rome for Easter and had a quick private encounter with Pope Francis following Sunday Mass. Though not on his official schedule, the encounter was allegedly significant for the Catholic-convert politician.
In a brief clip, Vance expressed concern for the Pope’s health and thanked him for the meeting. “I pray for you every day,” he informed the Pope.
Before the meeting finished, the Pope, who appeared frail, presented Vance’s children with Easter eggs. The entire visit lasted only 17 minutes.
Vance’s homage upon the Pope’s death.
When word of the Pope’s death emerged early Monday morning, Vance released a poignant statement on X:
“I just learnt of Pope Francis’ passing. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians around the world who adored him.”
He also commented on their last meeting, noting, “He was obviously very ill,” and shared one of Pope Francis’ most affecting prayers from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pope’s cause of death
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking for the Vatican, stated that the Pope died of a severe stroke, rather than the pulmonary ailments that have troubled him in recent months.
Doctors claimed the Pope awoke about 6 a.m., but by 7 a.m., he was ill. Within 30 minutes, he had fallen into a coma. He never awoke again.
According to officials, he died calmly at home, surrounded by the silence of Vatican grounds, rather than in the hospital.
“He returned to the house of the Father at 7:35 a.m.,” Farrell said in a sad statement, describing Francis as “a true disciple” who dedicated his life to “the poorest and most marginalised.”
Pope Francis refused to dwell in the magnificent papal house because he thought it was too elegant. Instead, he took the bus to work. He also confronted the Italian mafia, threatening them with hell and officially excommunicating them from the Catholic Church. Rest in peace, Pope Francis!