Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday denounced the spread of false reports claiming Pope Francis had passed away, calling it a “disturbing display of reckless misinformation” and urging the public to remain vigilant against fake news.
“This is a troubling reminder of how ruthless and irresponsible fake news has become. Spreading false information about the Holy Father not only causes unnecessary alarm but also undermines the truth at a time when facts matter more than ever,” Romualdez said.
A viral post falsely claimed that Pope Francis had died at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital, prompting widespread reactions before the Vatican swiftly dismissed it as a hoax.
Romualdez urged the public to verify information before sharing it, emphasizing that digital responsibility is crucial in preventing misinformation from taking root.
“Social media must not be a tool for deception,” said the Speaker.
“We all have a duty to be responsible with the information we consume and share. Misinformation can erode trust, create confusion, and cause distress, especially when it involves a leader as deeply respected as Pope Francis,” he added.
The seasoned legislator also encouraged the faithful to offer prayers for the Pope’s health instead of engaging in the spread of falsehoods.
“Rather than spreading baseless rumors, let us turn our energy toward prayer and goodwill. Pope Francis inspires millions with his wisdom and compassion, and we pray for his continued strength and good health,” he said.
Romualdez also called on digital platforms to strengthen their fight against disinformation, urging stricter measures to curb the spread of fake news.
“This is a serious issue that demands action. We must work together—governments, media organizations, and tech platforms—to ensure that truth prevails over deception,” the Speaker said.
In a brief health update released early Tuesday morning, the Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis’ clinical condition “has shown a slight improvement,” despite its severity.
“In the evening, he (Pope Francis) called the parish priest of Gaza to express his paternal closeness,” the Holy See added.
