Backlash Over SNL Skit Linking Vance and Pope Francis’ Death
Saturday Night Live (SNL) recently faced criticism online after a skit insinuated that Vice President J.D. Vance had a role in the death of Pope Francis. This skit aired just weeks after the Pope passed away from a stroke, featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump referencing a conspiracy theory implicating Vance in the incident.
“If not, I have to send the JD back to do his thing. Do you remember when JD last met the Pope?” Johnson, as Trump, quipped.
According to reports, the skit has drawn fire for being disrespectful to Pope Francis and the Catholic community. One viewer expressed that “Pope Francis’ death and JD Vance’s tasteless jabs are the new lows of comedy.” Another added, “It’s a new low, mocking death and spreading nonsense.”
In a segment discussing Vance’s portrayal, SNL star Bowen Yang jokingly referred to him as the “pope killer.” Yang stated, “I just thought there were better people out there for that.” He also reflected on the challenges of his role, mentioning the need to work with an accent coach to capture the nuances of the Ohio and Appalachia dialect. “It’s subtle,” he noted.
Despite the backlash, Hoopy Goldberg praised Yang’s performance, calling it “hell-funny.” Yang responded by humorously remarking, “I mean, look, the man is the Pope’s murderer, right?” prompting laughter from the audience and co-host Sarah Haynes to declare, “We have a new headline!”
As laughter subsided, Goldberg remarked, “Someone had to say that!” and Yang reiterated the sentiment. Joy Behar tried to diffuse any misunderstanding, saying, “He doesn’t literally mean that. He’s talking. It’s just comedy!”
Tributes Following Pope Francis’ Passing
Goldberg, among others, shared tributes after Francis’s death, highlighting his message of love for believers and non-believers alike. Vance, who met with the Pope just a day before his death, also paid tribute, stating, “My heart is directed at millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.” He recalled their meeting and shared a heartfelt memory from the early days of the pandemic.
