Fact-check by DFRAC debunks viral false claims about Pope Francis' death and an alleged cover-up. The image highlights misinformation with a 'FAKE' stamp.

Viral posts claiming Pope Francis death news and subsequent cover-up are pure falsehood

Fact Check en Fake Featured

Claim

Many users claimed that Pope Francis died on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, but the Vatican did not announce it to the public. Some posts also insinuated intrigues in the Vatican for the hushing of the news.

Fake Pope Francis news spreads online. A viral tweet falsely claims that the Vatican is hiding his passing, but no official confirmation exists. Fact-checking needed.

Link

Similar claims can be seen here and here.

Fact-check

To ascertain the truth first, DFRAC investigation searched the official Vatican news agency, Vatican News. No such claim was found in the official news bulletins. 

Vatican News issues a health update on Pope Francis, stating he slept well and is resting, with slight improvement in his condition. Official statement from the Holy See Press Office.

Link

Further, the team used Wayback Machine to find if there were any posts deleted from the official website. It also did not give any result.

The team found the latest update from Vatican News on the health conditions of the Pope. “Pope Francis slept well overnight and continues to rest on Thursday morning, as his condition shows slight improvement over the past couple of days.”, the last message posted on 27 February 2025, 08:17 AM, said. 

The update could be read here.

According to the Holy See Press Office, his prognosis remains “guarded.” It also did not provide any confirmation on Pope’s death.

Conclusion

From the probe of DFRAC, it is evident that the viral posts claiming the death of Pope Francis on February 25 and cover-up by the Vatican are false. The official Vatican news agency reported on 27 February that Pope is recovering slightly.

Analysis: Fake