The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has found itself at the center of a controversy after making an inappropriate joke about Pope Francis on social media.
The post, which was quickly deleted, poked fun at the Pope’s Ash Wednesday message, sparking outrage and criticism.
The Joke That Sparked Backlash
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since February due to double pneumonia, posted a message on his official X account on Wednesday.
He spoke about the significance of the Ashes, stating that they serve as a reminder of who we are, humbling us and helping to smooth out our rough edges.
He also emphasized the importance of Lent in bringing people closer together.
However, the ECB’s official social media account then reposted this message, joking, “Even @Pontifex loves the Ashes.”
The Ashes is a historic cricket competition between England and Australia, with the next series set to take place in Australia later this year.
Public Reaction to the Post
The post was met with a wave of criticism almost immediately, with many people taking offense at the tone of the joke, especially given Pope Francis’s health condition. The ECB swiftly deleted the post and issued an apology.
A spokesperson from the ECB said, “This was an ill-judged post and was swiftly deleted.
We apologize for any offence.”
Despite the apology, some individuals on social media defended the post, arguing that it was simply a harmless joke.
One person wrote, “It’s a joke, what’s wrong with a bit of satire?” However, the majority of reactions were negative, with people calling the post “embarrassing” and “offensive.”
Pope Francis’ Health Update
Meanwhile, Pope Francis remains in the hospital after being diagnosed with double pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
The Vatican has provided regular updates on his condition, reassuring the public that he is stable and alert.
Doctors have reported that he is undergoing physical therapy, although his prognosis remains uncertain.
In a recent audio message, Pope Francis thanked people worldwide for their prayers and support.
Speaking from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers in the Square for my health.”
Despite speaking with difficulty, he reassured his supporters that he is stable and in no immediate danger.
A Touching Message from the Pope
The audio message, which was played during a nightly prayer service for the Pope in St. Peter’s Square, was his first public address since his hospitalization.
He spoke in his native Spanish, pausing every few words to catch his breath. His message ended with a heartfelt “May God bless you.”
The Vatican has also confirmed that the Pope’s condition has remained stable, and doctors are optimistic about his recovery.
No further medical updates are expected until Saturday, as his doctors continue to monitor his progress.