Jack Schlossberg, the sole grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, has become the target of significant online criticism following a controversial social media post deemed insensitive, unfounded, and highly inappropriate. Just hours after the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, Schlossberg took to X (formerly Twitter) to state: ‘Okay JD killed the pope.’ This comment appeared to reference U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had met with the Pope in a private audience the day before the pontiff’s death. The remark, interpreted by some as a joke or political jab, did not resonate well with the public, quickly amassing over 470,000 views and sparking a digital uproar, with critics from various political backgrounds expressing their outrage and bewilderment over the baseless implication. One user bluntly remarked, ‘Your words are shameful. This isn’t satire. It’s disrespect.’ Another added, ‘Are you kidding with this? Just not funny — total disrespect.’ Many others echoed these sentiments, with some referencing Schlossberg’s own family history and strong Catholic roots to highlight their dismay: ‘Given your family’s legacy, you should know better.’ For numerous individuals, the post felt like a slap in the face at a time when the world was mourning the loss of a religious leader admired for his humility, service, and dedication to peace. Jack Schlossberg — whose full name is John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg — is the 31-year-old son of Caroline Kennedy, the former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and the only grandson of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy. With his prominent lineage, Ivy League education, and public presence, he is seen by some as a potential political successor to the Kennedy family. In recent years, Schlossberg has attracted attention for his social media activity, where he combines political commentary with humor and insights into his personal life. He is a Yale graduate and holds both an MBA and JD from Harvard. Despite his comedic approach online, many have expressed concern over his recent remarks.The timing of Schlossberg’s remark was notably significant. Just a day prior to the passing of Pope Francis, Vice President JD Vance, a recent Catholic convert, visited the Vatican to meet with the ailing pontiff following Easter Mass. Although not officially listed on his schedule, the meeting was documented in a brief video that depicted Vance gently shaking the Pope’s hand and expressing gratitude for his leadership. ‘I pray for you every day,’ Vance conveyed to the visibly weakened pontiff. In response, the Pope reportedly gifted Easter eggs for Vance’s children. The encounter, which lasted approximately 17 minutes, was characterized by aides as warm, brief, and personal. When news emerged early Monday morning regarding Pope Francis’s death, Vance issued a statement on X, conveying his sorrow and respect for the late spiritual leader. ‘My heart goes out to the millions of Christians worldwide who cherished him,’ Vance stated. He noted that the Pope had appeared quite ill during their meeting and included one of Francis’s prayers from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a tribute. Shortly thereafter, Schlossberg shared his now-notorious comment. Whether it was meant as political satire or an attempt at humor, the backlash was immediate and severe. Meanwhile, the internet continues to analyze the cultural, political, and emotional reactions to his death and to Jack Schlossberg’s remark. For the time being, Schlossberg’s words linger in the digital realm, raising questions about how we discuss public figures in their final moments and the responsibilities of those with influential platforms. As one user aptly noted: ‘JFK inspired a nation to ask what they could do for their country. Perhaps Jack should consider what he can do for his dignity.’
JFK’s grandson blasted for ‘disgusting’ JD Vance & Pope comment
