The American sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL) has sparked outrage among some Christians and viewers after a controversial skit implied Vice President JD Vance caused the death of Pope Francis.
The satire aired weeks after the 88-year-old pontiff passed away from a stroke on 21st April, just one day after an Easter Sunday meeting with Vance at the Vatican.
Vance and the late Pope Francis met in an effort to ease tensions following Pope Francis’ earlier criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
In the SNL cold open, James Austin Johnson portrayed Donald Trump and referenced the conspiracy theory that Vance was involved in the Pope’s death.
Johnson’s Trump said: "Otherwise, I’ll have to send JD back to do his thing. Remember the last time JD met the Pope?"
Johnson’s Trump later added: "He’s got the Midas touch, but for bad things. He meets the Pope? Dead. Goes to India? War! Joins my campaign? Trump wins!"
Many viewers were offended by the portrayal, calling it deeply disrespectful to Catholics and to the memory of Pope Francis.
"SNL’s tasteless jab at Pope Francis’ death and JD Vance is a new low for comedy," said one viewer.
Another commented: "That’s a new low, mocking death and spreading nonsense. Proper decency’s gone out the window, hasn’t it?"
The sketch also drew criticism for equating Catholicism with corporate entities.
"We love Catholics," Johnson’s Trump said. "It’s one of the stronger Christian organisations, along with Salvation Army, and I want to say Chick-fil-A."
Many called for an apology, with some pledging to stop watching the show altogether.