Death of Pope Francis

Who was he?
Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American and the first Jesuit pope. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was known for his simplicity, commitment to social justice, and active involvement in global issues like climate change. He also advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, migrants, and the poor. The position of pope is regarded as the highest religious authority in the Catholic world, and he served as a moral guide for the global Christian community.

What power did he hold?
Pope Francis was the supreme spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, with ultimate authority in religious, moral, and administrative matters. He was also the head of Vatican City State, a sovereign nation. Through “Ex Cathedra” statements, the pope can make infallible doctrinal declarations recognized throughout the Church. He had authority over 1.3 billion Catholic followers worldwide. Additionally, he played a crucial role in appointing bishops, setting theological directions, and influencing global ethical and political debates. The power of the pope extends beyond spiritual matters into cultural and geopolitical influence as well.

What is the conspiracy theory about his death after meeting US VP JD Vance?
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City. Just a day earlier, on April 20, 2025, he had met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The proximity of this meeting to his sudden death led some to speculate about a conspiracy, suggesting that his death might not have been natural. However, the Vatican officially stated that health complications were the cause of death, and there is no solid evidence to support these conspiracy theories. This incident reflects how the deaths of high-profile leaders often become breeding grounds for rumors and speculation.