Factseeker
  • English
  • සිංහල
  • தமிழ்
  • Fact Checked
    • All
    • Economy
    • Society
    • Environment
    • Politics
    • Health
  • Methodology
  • About Us
  • Explore Fact-Checking
  • Contact Us
  • #false

FactSeeker Debunks Viral Death Hoax About Pope Francis

False
False

Social media has been flooded with shocking claims that Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, has passed away. The rumor has sparked widespread panic, with users sharing manipulated images and misleading reports.

by Anonymous |

February 24, 2025

A few days ago, international media reported that Pope Francis was in critical condition, fueling speculation about his health. As the buzz intensified, FactSeeker launched an investigation to uncover the truth.

Upon verification, no official announcement has been made confirming the Pope’s death. Instead, credible news sources report that he is currently battling double pneumonia and receiving intensive care.

Further analysis exposed a fact-checking report published by The Nigerian Voice, which debunked the viral claim. The report confirmed that an image circulating online—appearing to resemble one from the official Vatican News X account—was digitally manipulated to mislead the public.

With no credible evidence supporting the claim, FactSeeker confirms that reports of Pope Francis’ death are completely false. The viral misinformation is yet another example of how easily fake news spreads in the digital age.

Links – https://www.geo.tv/latest/592245-pope-francis-in-critical-condition-and-faces-minor-kidney-issue-vatican

https://newscentral.africa/pope-francis-remains-in-hospital-as-health-concerns-grow/

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/347245/fact-check-pope-francis-not-dead-statement-announcing-his.html

Latest updates

#fake

False Claim About Lifetime Free Entry to Dehiwala Zoo Shared on Social Media

June 25, 2025

#fake

AI-Generated Fake Photo Claims US B-2 Stealth Bomber Was Shot Down by Iran

June 23, 2025

#misleading

Is the Provincial Commissioner legally empowered to act at their own discretion?

June 20, 2025

#fake

AI-Generated Protest Video Misleading Viewers About Israel–Iran Conflict

June 20, 2025

Related Content

Claim that President Anura Kumara is distributing cash gifts in partnership with the World Bank is false!

June 5, 2025

Fake Message Circulating About Free Offers from DIALOG

June 3, 2025

Viral Video Claiming Rowan Atkinson’s Death Is False

May 29, 2025

False Claim About the Spread of a Deadly Covid Variant in Sri Lanka

May 23, 2025

False Claims Spread About ‘Teacher Amma’ Selling Idols

May 19, 2025

Reliable

Verified News.

Delivered to You.

We are an independent fact-checking team affiliated with the Sri Lanka Press Institute(SLPI).

The objective and long-term goal of the FactSeeker is to provide the public with reliable and verified content in the attempt of debunking mis/disinformation. The unit, with the SLPI, is committed to contributing to improved media literacy in Sri Lanka.

Quick Links

Home

Fact-checked

Methodology

About us

Explore fact checking

Publications

Contact us

View Contact

Topics

Fact-checked

Politics

Health

Society

Environtment

Economy

Follow Us

Copyright 2025 © FactSeeker-Sri Lanka Press Institute. All Rights Reserved. Design & Developed by Enfection