Viral posts on X and other social media channels are alleging that the Vatican prevented African citizens from approaching Pope Francis' body to pay their respects as his body lay in state.

Rome

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

Amidst viral allegations on social media platforms, including X, claims have surfaced that the Vatican prevented African citizens from visiting Pope Francis' body as it lay in state. These claims are primarily accompanied by a video showing a black man at St. Peter’s Basilica being escorted away by security personnel while seemingly involved in a confrontation. However, upon investigation, these claims have been proven false.

St. Peter's Basilica was reportedly open to all individuals, with numerous people, including Africans, able to pay their respects to the late Pope between specific dates. The controversial video, which has stirred these allegations, was initially uploaded before the body of Pope Francis was made accessible to the public, undermining the claims tied to it. Investigations revealed that the man in the video had bypassed security checks, resulting in his removal by the authorities. Local sources and community notes have also confirmed that the individual is a known resident prone to disturbances, but not typically harmful. There remains no substantial evidence from authoritative sources, including the Vatican, supporting the assertion that access was denied based on nationality or race.



No, Africans were not denied access to visit Pope Francis' body

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Pope Francis Dies