Vatican City: In recent days, social media and various online platforms have been flooded with alarming claims about the death of Pope Francis. These rumours, which have spread rapidly, have caused distress and confusion among many, especially among the faithful who regard the Pope as a central spiritual leader. However, it is important to set the record straight.

According to Cameroon News Agency, Pope Francis is not dead; he is alive, as at the time of this publication. The agency fact-checked the claims and confirmed the Pope’s well-being.

CNA first came across the rumors on WhatsApp, with an image claiming to be from the Vatican News. The image read, “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Pope Francis entered into eternal rest today at 19:39, at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome. We give thanks for his faithful service and pray for the repose of his soul.” The post carries the label ‘forwarded many times,’ indicating how viral this false information has circulated.

Further investigations led the CNA to a Facebook post published by Gajaak Community Association in Kakuma on 23 February 2025, still claiming that Pope Francis had passed away. The post erroneously reported that Pope Francis died following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, despite this information being false.

An official statement from the Holy See Press Office of Wednesday 26 February 2025, published by Vatican News, rather indicates that the health condition of Pope Francis has improved. The statement noted, “The Holy Father’s condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours. The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided. A chest CT scan carried out last night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation.”