The Vatican Chooses The WORST Picture Of The Pope During Discussion On The Church’s Sex Abuse Scandals

The Vatican REALLY should’ve thought this through more, because YIKES. This is NOT a good look.

The Vatican’s own media operation just released this photo of Pope Francis meeting two US cardinals to discuss the sexual abuse crisis. Take a look. pic.twitter.com/gkPOTbEhJX

— Damian Thompson (@holysmoke) September 13, 2018

As you can see, the Pope and two US cardinals look positively joyous in the picture. They’re laughing.

Now, I don’t think they were actively laughing about sexual abuse within the church. I just think whoever’s running the Vatican’s press release office is the dumbest person alive.

Wtf are they smiling at? As my grandma used to say, “I’ll wipe that damn smile right off your face.”

— Vytautas the great (@tpapeika) September 13, 2018

"The Vatican’s own media operation " any question of the Vatican being out of touch?

— Mike DoubleLive (@DoubleliveM) September 13, 2018

What's so funny?

— Lisa Graas ن (@CatholicLisa) September 13, 2018

They must use the same PR people as @Starbucks

— Rick Roth (@Killaroth) September 13, 2018

Disturbing to say the least.

— Elders Benson and Packer (@MormonLibsLMAO) September 13, 2018

What the holy hell???

— Deb Ramey (@ramey_deb) September 13, 2018

The apparent lack of seriousness hurts my heart. I cannot imagine how those abused must feel.

— Laura Quigley (@lmquigley) September 13, 2018

Tone deaf and absolutely no consideration for the optics of posting this picture. Unbelievable!

— Nonno (@atvnonno) September 13, 2018

Let’s be clear about this photo. Nobody should think for a moment that Cardinals DiNardo & O’Malley – good men – imagine sex abuse is a laughing matter. But such is the wretched state of the Vatican that it thinks this is an appropriate image to release. pic.twitter.com/DfZMVU0Oqs

— Damian Thompson (@holysmoke) September 13, 2018

Exactly.

Try again, guys. Try again.