By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – A Filipino priest based in Rome has asked the public to stop spreading false and unverified information about the health of Pope Francis.
Fr. Gregory Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, made this reaction after an unauthorized group used the name “Jesuits” to announce the passing of the Pope on social media.
Gaston urged the people to verify first the information before posting it online.
“Please be cautious about spreading false reports regarding Pope Francis’ death,” he 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.
Gaston said the public may check the Vatican News website for accurate and official updates on the Pope’s condition.
The Jesuit Communications advised the public 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,” it said in a Facebook post on 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.”
On Sunday evening (Rome time), the Holy See Press Office reported that the pope’s condition “remains critical” but he experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday.
The statement also said the 88-year-old pontiff “continues to be alert and well oriented” and continues to receive oxygen therapy “at high flows” through his nose. (PNA)
