A bizarre and arguably humorous conspiracy theory claiming that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance killed the Pope is going viral on Twitter / X as news of Pope Francis' passing was announced mere hours after the religious leader met with him.

The theory also led to rampant speculation on social media that he may be the "Antichrist," a prophesied evil figure in Christianity, suggesting that the politician's visit to the Vatican and the late Pope’s death are connected.

Here's what people are posting about the unserious J.D. Vance killed the Pope theory and how the many "Vance is the Antichrist" memes appeared online this week.

What Is The ‘J.D. Vance Killed Pope Francis’ Conspiracy Theory?

The internet started to suspect Vice President J.D. Vance is somehow responsible for the death of Pope Francis, which occurred shortly after their Easter meeting on April 20th, 2025.

Due to the horrible timing of Vance's visit with the Pope, jokes and theories poured on social media that their brief interaction was a significant factor in the 88-year-old religious leader's death earlier this morning.

For instance, X user @JoePostingg wrote, "I don't think JD Vance killed the Pope, I think meeting JD Vance probably drained the Pope's will to live. It's subtly different."

Referencing the recent stock market crash, another X user, @TiloGummel, joked about the bad timing of Vance's meeting with the Pope, writing, "First you killed the economy and now the Pope. Stay in bed, man."

Why People Are Calling J.D. Vance 'The Antichrist?'

Given the coincidental timing of Vice President Vance's meeting with the Pope just before his death, it's no surprise the internet started coming up with religious-themed jokes that Vance was the figure prophesied to oppose Christ.

Early on April 21st, 2025, just after his death, X user @ycsm1n replied to an Associated Press tweet showing Vance's brief meeting with Pope Francis to exchange Easter greetings, speculating that his presence was a bad omen and labeling the politician as the Antichrist due to the timing of these events.

From here, the idea quickly began spreading on social media, largely through jokes and memes rather than actual theories that he was the Antichrist.

How Is The ‘J.D. Vance Killed Pope Francis’ Conspiracy Theory Being Spread Online?

It took only a few hours for the internet to be completely filled with jokes and memes about the humorous theory that J.D. Vance killed Pope Francis.

For instance, earlier today, X user @kubaswift posted a picture of VP Vance and Pope Francis, writing, "This is all the proof I need that JD is in fact the antichrist."

Throughout the day, others also chimed in with memes and posts mocking the situation. TikTok user @hereiswhatsgoingon commented on the claim with a video describing Vance and Pope Francis meeting and the conspiracy theory that ensued on social media.

@hereiswhatsgoingon Apparently, JD Vances the Antichrist. #thepope #pope #jdvance #thepopedied ♬ original sound – Matt Schultz

What Are Some More 'J.D. Vance Killed Pope Francis' Memes?

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For the full history of "J.D. Vance Killed Pope Francis Theory" Conspiracy Theory, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.