A Filipino priest based in Rome has called on the public to stop spreading false and unverified information about the health of Pope Francis after an unauthorized group used the name “Jesuits” to falsely announce the Pope’s passing on social media.
Fr. Gregory Gaston, the rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filipino, urged people to verify information before sharing it online. He emphasized the importance of caution when discussing sensitive matters like the health of the Pope.
‘Please be cautious about spreading false reports regarding Pope Francis’ death,’ Gaston said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News on Monday.
‘Some even misuse the Vatican News logo to deceive people,’ he added.
Fr. Gaston advised the public to consult official and reliable sources, such as the Vatican News website, for accurate updates on the Pope’s health.
Meanwhile, the Jesuit Communications office also issued a statement urging people not to share the unauthorized post.
‘This post is from an unauthorized group using the name ‘Jesuits’ or ‘Society of Jesus’. The information it contains is false. Please refer to official sources for accurate details,’ the statement said on facebook Monday.
‘If you come across similar unauthorized pages or posts, please report them. We continue to pray for Pope Francis, asking for his healing, strength, and guidance as he leads the Church,’ it added.
The call for caution came after the Holy See Press Office released a statement on Sunday evening (Rome time) confirming that Pope Francis’ condition “remains critical,” though he had experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday. The statement also reassured the public that the 88-year-old pontiff “continues to be alert and well oriented” and is receiving “high-flow oxygen therapy” through his nose.
