The bill, H. 4509, is a resolution introduced in the South Carolina House of Representatives that calls for the President of the United States and Congress to issue a formal apology to the Vatican and the Catholic Church. This request arises from the controversy surrounding an image of the President dressed in papal attire, which was disseminated during the mourning period for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. The resolution highlights the public criticism of the image, which was created using artificial intelligence and deemed sacrilegious and inappropriate, particularly given the timing of its release.

The resolution emphasizes that the actions of the President not only insulted the Catholic Church but also disrespected the Pope as a foreign head of state. It urges the President to express sincere contrition for the incident and formally apologize to the Vatican and its members. Additionally, the resolution mandates that a copy be presented to the President and the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.