SNL’s Bowen Yang Calls VP J.D. Vance ‘Pope Killer’ on The View, Whoopi Goldberg Reacts, Cites ‘Somebody Had to Say It’

Bowen Yang, a cast member of Saturday Night Live and actor known for portraying Vice President J.D. Vance, made a controversial joke on the television program "The View" by calling Vance a "pope killer." The remark caught the hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg, off guard, with Goldberg visibly reacting during the live broadcast. Yang later explained that he had not initially wanted to portray Vance but felt compelled to make the joke, stating, "Somebody had to say it!" The comment sparked widespread attention and reactions across various media outlets, with some coverage noting the unexpected nature of the joke and its reference to Vance and Pope Francis. Comedian Bill Maher also referenced the situation humorously, mentioning Pope Francis's recent 38-day hospital stay. The incident has generated discussion internationally, including reactions from Brazilian media highlighting the joke about the U.S. vice president and the pope.