SNL sketch draws backlash for implying VP JD Vance caused Pope Francis’ death and mocking Catholicism.
“Saturday Night Live” is no stranger to poking fun at religion, but its latest sketch is drawing criticism for suggesting Vice President JD Vance may have played a role in the death of Pope Francis.
The episode opened with a sentimental musical number dedicated to moms ahead of Mother’s Day. The song was abruptly interrupted by a parody of President Donald Trump, played by cast member James Austin Johnson. The opening monologue of the show has consistently been focused on the president for weeks.
“It’s me again, invading all aspects of your life”, Johnson’s Trump said as he took the stage. He quickly shifted the tone by commenting on the Catholic Church’s recent election of a new pope.
“We have an American Pope, Chicago-style, no ketchup”, he joked about Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, Illinois. “But we like Pope Leo. We hope he does what we want. That’s what you want the Pope to do.”
The sketch took a darker turn when the parody Trump implied that Vice President Vance may have had something to do with Pope Francis’ death.
“Otherwise, I’ll have to send JD back to do his thing.
