SNL Pope Joke Sparks Outrage and Laughter

SNL Weekend Update Tackles New Pope and Trump AI Image

Colin Jost, co-host of "Saturday Night Live's" popular "Weekend Update" segment, found himself reacting to a particularly edgy joke from his partner Michael Che. The show, airing shortly after the Roman Catholic Church announced Pope Leo XIV as its new leader, was primed for humor related to the papacy.

Jost himself kicked off the segment with a jest about the new Pope being the first from America. He humorously noted, "And as an American Catholic, I could not be more proud. Which is a sin. And now I’m ashamed," highlighting the often complex relationship some Catholics have with expressing strong emotions like pride.

The Controversial Trump AI Pope Photo

The comedic focus soon shifted to a recent controversy involving former President Donald Trump. An AI-generated image depicting Trump as the Pope had been circulated, notably published by Trump on his Truth Social platform. This image appeared roughly a week after the passing of Pope Francis.

Catholic officials widely condemned the image, describing it as "deeply offensive," "sad," and "unfortunate." Despite this backlash, Trump asserted to reporters that "Catholics loved it."

Michael Che Delivers a Taboo Punchline

During "Weekend Update," as the AI image of Trump as Pope was displayed, Michael Che set up his joke: "President Trump says Catholics loved an image he posted of him dressed as the pope last week." He then delivered the punchline: "But I just find it hard to believe that anyone in the Catholic Church would be into something so juvenile."

This quip slyly referenced significant scandals that have affected the Catholic Church, drawing groans from the live audience.

Jost's Reaction and Catholic Humor

Colin Jost, who was raised Catholic, reacted with an exaggerated, jaw-dropping expression. He looked around with his mouth agape, a gesture implying he was feigning shock while secretly finding Che's daring joke amusing. This played into his earlier commentary about repressing true feelings being a part of his Catholic upbringing.

The interaction highlighted the fine line SNL often walks with controversial humor, particularly on sensitive topics. You can watch the relevant segment of Weekend Update on YouTube to see the exchange.

Jost's opening joke about the new American Pope can be viewed at the beginning of the segment. His playful take on Catholic guilt and pride set a humorous tone for the subsequent, more controversial material.