Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, recently stirred controversy with a comment regarding the death of Pope Francis. The 31-year-old, known for his social media presence and occasional political commentary, sparked outrage after he suggested, without any context or evidence, that Vice President JD Vance was somehow responsible for the Pope’s passing. His comment: “Okay JD killed the pope” went viral, drawing widespread backlash from social media users.
The Backlash Begins
Schlossberg made the comment on X (formerly Twitter) early on the morning of April 21, just as the world was mourning Pope Francis’ death. His tweet quickly garnered significant attention, racking up over 470,000 views within hours. What was intended as a joke failed to land well, triggering a flood of angry responses. Critics called the remark “shameful,” “insensitive,” and “disrespectful.” Many pointed out that, as a member of the Kennedy family and a devout Catholic, Schlossberg should have known better than to make such a reckless statement.
Schlossberg’s Background and Public Persona
Jack Schlossberg, the only son of Caroline Kennedy, carries the legacy of his famous grandfather, John F. Kennedy, and grandmother Jacqueline Kennedy. Known for his charm and good looks, Schlossberg is a social media influencer who frequently shares his views on politics, personal moments, and quirky videos on platforms like Instagram.
Before becoming known for his online presence, Schlossberg earned his degree from Yale University and later obtained an M.B.A. and J.D. from Harvard Law and Business School. He has also interned in the U.S. Senate, demonstrating his involvement in politics and law.
Vance and the Pope’s Last Meeting
The tweet comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Pope Francis, which took place just a day before the Pope’s death. Vance, who had traveled to Rome for Easter, had a brief, private audience with the Pope following Sunday Mass. In a recorded clip, Vance expressed his concern for the Pope’s health, offering his prayers, and thanking the Pope for the opportunity to meet.
The Pope, in his weakened state, gifted Easter eggs for Vance’s children before the meeting ended. Vance, who is a convert to Catholicism, later described the meeting as meaningful and deeply personal. In a heartfelt tribute after the Pope’s passing, Vance reflected on the Pope’s health, stating that the Pope was visibly ill but remained a figure of strength and faith for millions.
Jack Schlossberg / Getty Images
Pope’s Cause of Death
On the morning of April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the passing of Pope Francis, confirming that the Pope died from a stroke. Though the Pope had been battling respiratory issues in recent months, it was the stroke that ultimately led to his demise. Farrell reported that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM, just hours after waking up. His final moments were spent in the Vatican, surrounded by silence and peace.
Pope Francis’s death followed months of speculation about his health, with his recent hospitalization for pneumonia being closely followed by the public. Despite his frail condition, the Pope continued his work until the end, making public appearances, including his Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Pope Francis’s legacy is marked by his commitment to service, humility, and compassion for the world’s most marginalized communities. He was known for rejecting the opulence typically associated with the papacy, instead choosing to live a modest life and even forgoing the luxurious papal apartments for a simple room at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guesthouse.
During his papacy, Pope Francis challenged the Catholic Church to evolve, advocating for environmental responsibility, social justice, and a more inclusive church. His public statements on immigration, poverty, and climate change made him both a beloved and sometimes controversial figure in the global arena.
In one of his most famous writings, the 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” the Pope addressed the environmental crisis, urging action to protect the planet for future generations. His advocacy for the poorest and most vulnerable communities was central to his mission.
Funeral and Burial Arrangements
As the world grieves Pope Francis’s passing, plans for his funeral and burial are being carried out. The Vatican confirmed that his funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter’s Square. Following the public ceremony, the Pope’s body will be transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he requested to be buried. In a departure from tradition, the Pope chose not to be buried in the Vatican but in this historic Marian sanctuary.
In addition to his funeral arrangements, there are ongoing discussions about his personal items, such as the Fisherman’s Ring, which will be ceremonially destroyed, as is customary for any Pope upon their death. This act symbolizes the end of his papacy and marks the beginning of the election process for his successor.
Reflection on Legacy and Final Wishes
Pope Francis’s final wishes, as well as his legacy, highlight his deep commitment to faith, service, and simplicity. By forgoing traditional papal luxuries and focusing on humility, he set an example for both the Church and the world. His call for greater compassion and social justice, along with his unwavering dedication to serving others, will continue to inspire future generations.
Pope Francis’s final moments, as well as his requests for a modest burial, reflect the values he lived by: a simple life of service to humanity and a deep, abiding faith in God’s eternal plan. The Catholic Church, and the world, will remember Pope Francis for his profound impact on the Church and his global influence in addressing pressing issues of social and environmental justice.
For further readings, feel free to explore the following articles:
- Pope Francis’s Heartbreaking Final Gesture to His Nurse Before Death
- Pope Francis Describes Death as a New Beginning Before His Passing
These articles offer more insight into the final moments of Pope Francis and his legacy as a humble servant of God.
