By the Associated Press and WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — UPDATE: The chairman of the Providence Democratic City Committee has resigned over a meme posted to Facebook that some city leaders deemed as racist toward Italians.

Patrick Ward had posted an image from the movie “The Godfather” in December with the words “David” and “John” superimposed over the characters Michael and Fredo Corleone.

The image was posted under a story about now-Council President David Salvatore and Majority Leader John Igliozzi taking leadership positions at City Council. Ward’s wife, Councilwoman Sabina Matos, was the acting president at the time.

In a statement Thursday, Ward says the changes in leadership took him by surprise. He says he posted the “childish” meme in a “moment of weakness.”

Ward also appeared Friday morning on WPRO with Gene Valicenti. “I did not mean to offend Italian Americans,” Ward told Valicenti. “I did not mean to impugn the reputation of Councilman Igliozzi or Salvatore.” Ward told Valicenti he used the characters of the Corleone brothers as an example of “betrayal.” after Igliozzi and Salvatore moved to unseat Matos as City Council President.

Democratic Mayor Jorge Elorza, Salvatore, Igliozzi and other city leaders have called for Ward to resign.

Following Ward’s apology, Councilman Nick Narducci and told Valicenti that Ward still needs to resign.

City Council President Salvatore told Valicenti later Friday morning that while he accepts Ward’s apology, he feels Ward still needs to step down as the Providence Democratic Chairman.

Listen to Ward’s interview with Valicenti below.