The Vatican Denounces Fabricated YouTube Videos On New Pope
The Vatican says it did not generate the videos now currently trending on YouTube, claiming “new reforms” by Pope Leo XIV, describing them as fabricated.
The Vatican says it did not generate the videos now currently trending on YouTube, claiming “new reforms” by Pope Leo XIV, describing them as fabricated.
In a coordinated effort the Holy See urged the faithful to ignore the videos, noting they were AI generated fakes.
The Vatican’s press office announced that deep‑fake videos and invented quotations circulating online do not represent the Pope’s teaching or any authentic papal document.
According to the Catholic News Agency,
"A fact‑check clarified that a 36‑minute speech praising a political leader and denouncing colonialism was entirely fabricated," as well as "Identified specific false claims," even as "A viral post alleged a document called 'Cor Unum' containing sweeping 15 reforms which the Vatican confirmed no such apostolic constitution exists.
"Another video claimed Pope Leo XIV issued a statement to the President of Burkina Faso; the Vatican declared the video a manipulation."
The Vatican took concrete actions on the platforms, the describing the source of the fake videos as a channel that repeatedly posted AI‑generated “sermons” of the new Pope," even as "two other channels were also taken down after the Vatican’s request."
The Holy See urged Catholics to verify sources and not share un‑approved materials, emphasizing that authentic papal teachings are only published through the Vatican’s official channels."
The Vatican further provided pastoral guidance, "warning and urging the faithful to consult the official Vatican News website and the Holy See’s press releases for reliable information."
Bishops’ conferences have also, been asked to inform parishes about the danger of deep‑fakes and to encourage discernment when encountering “reform” claims online.
"The Catholic Church, through the Vatican’s press office and fact‑checking agencies, has categorically denounced the YouTube posts about “Pope Leo XIV reforms” as AI‑generated fabrications, has secured the removal of offending channels, and has instructed the faithful to rely only on authentic Vatican communications for genuine papal teachings," the Vatican added,
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