Vatican Fights Misinformation on Pope Francis’ Health

TikTokers Breach Hospital Amid Speculation on Pope Francis’ Health

March 12, 2025

Rome – Social media influencers sparked controversy after attempting to infiltrate a hospital in Rome, seeking to verify online speculation regarding the health of Pope Francis.

While undergoing treatment for severe pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis became the subject of rampant misinformation online. Among those fueling the speculation were Italian TikTokers, including one identified as Ottavo, who clandestinely entered a hospital ward with a camera strapped to his back in a bid to confirm rumors of the Pope’s alleged demise.

According to The Guardian, Ottavo sought to validate a growing theory that the 88-year-old Pontiff had passed away. In a live broadcast to his 10,000 followers, he expressed his doubts, claiming: “There is no security, nothing at all. I wouldn’t be here if he were alive. In my opinion, Pope Francis has died.”

Vatican’s Response to Misinformation

In an effort to counter the proliferation of false reports and AI-generated images regarding Pope Francis’ condition, the Vatican has implemented a twice-daily update on his health. Officials confirmed that Ottavo had, in fact, entered the wrong hospital ward and never came into contact with the Pope.

Since his admission on February 14, 2025, the Vatican has worked diligently to combat misinformation, including conspiracy theories and digitally manipulated images portraying the Pope in distress. Reports indicate that since his hospitalization, social media accounts have falsely announced his death four times, with thousands of fabricated images depicting him in critical condition, wearing his traditional white cassock while appearing frail and reliant on an oxygen mask.

Another TikToker, identified as Er Bombolino, made a similar attempt to breach the hospital days before Ottavo, also failing to locate the Pope’s actual ward. CNN confirmed these incidents, noting the growing challenge of curbing digital disinformation.

Pope’s Health Update and Public Reassurance

On February 22, 2025, Pope Francis experienced prolonged respiratory distress accompanied by persistent congestion, requiring intensive medical attention. However, doctors later confirmed significant improvements in his condition.

On Tuesday, the Vatican reassured the public that Pope Francis was no longer in critical danger and remained optimistic about his recovery. Nonetheless, false narratives regarding his health continue to circulate widely on social media.

Pope’s Recorded Message and Vatican’s Stance

For the first time since his hospitalization, Pope Francis addressed the public last Thursday via a recorded audio message, thanking supporters for their prayers. Speaking in Spanish, his native language, the Pope’s voice was noticeably hoarse and frail. The message, broadcast in St. Peter’s Square, conveyed his gratitude: “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your prayers for my health, and I am praying for you from here (the hospital).”

Reports suggest that one of the motivations behind the Pope’s recorded message was to dispel ongoing rumors about his condition. Avvenire, an Italian Catholic newspaper, noted: “The Pope’s audio message, aired last night (March 6), serves as the first official rebuttal of false reports.”

Despite these efforts, experts warn that his extended hospital stay leaves room for continued misinformation.

Legal and Security Concerns

The Vatican’s Director of Communications told The Guardian: “Misinformation speaks for itself. We maintain transparency by providing regular updates. If the Pope’s message also served to counter false reports, then each person is free to draw their own conclusions.”

Authorities are monitoring the situation, with police gathering information on the dissemination of misleading content. However, Italy’s Ministry of Interior stated there is currently no formal investigation underway.

In response to the backlash, TikTokers Ottavo and Er Bombolino defended their actions in a joint Instagram video, asserting: “We are not conspiracy theorists. We are devoted to Pope Francis. We are simply searching for the truth. Where is Pope Francis?”

Previously, Vatican officials clarified that Pope Francis himself had decided against appearing in a video, stating, “Everyone has the right to choose when and how they wish to be seen.”