By Emmanuel Kwada
Controversial televangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of LoveWorld Incorporated has ignited a firestorm of debate with his latest claim: that the COVID-19 vaccine caused the death of Pope Francis.
In a viral YouTube video from a Thursday programme, Oyakhilome alleged—without evidence—that the late Pope’s endorsement of the vaccine led to fatal blood clots, ultimately triggering the stroke that killed him.
Speaking to his congregation, Oyakhilome recounted a moment from his “LoveWorld Specials” where he criticized Pope Francis for promoting vaccines.
“While he was trying to encourage the world to take the vaccines, he stated that if Jesus were here, he would have taken the vaccine, and I found that very insulting,” he said. The pastor then asserted, “The vaccine killed the Pope,” linking the pontiff’s reported stroke to blood clots, which he claimed are a common side effect of mRNA vaccines.
The vaccine killed the Pope,” linking the pontiff’s reported stroke to blood clots, which he claimed are a common side effect of mRNA vaccines
He bolstered his argument by asking a doctor in attendance if a blood clot could cause a stroke, receiving a yes, before declaring, “I warned the world about taking those mRNA vaccines.”
Oyakhilome painted a grim picture, describing the vaccine as a “planned” tool of death. “This was a very healthy pope… once that substance is inside your body, it can’t leave… It was planned for death, to kill as many people around the world,” he said. “I feel pained that a pope like that would have his life cut short.”
He accused global authorities of covering up vaccine-related deaths, calling sudden death syndrome a euphemism for vaccine fatalities.
I feel pained that a pope like that would have his life cut short
The Vatican, however, tells a different story. Official statements confirm Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke and heart failure following a prolonged battle with health issues. Admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in February after suffering from bronchitis, the Pope was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
After 38 days of treatment, he returned to Casa Santa Marta, where he succumbed to a stroke. His medical history includes a partial lung removal in youth due to a respiratory infection, intestinal surgery in 2021, and abdominal surgery in 2023—factors experts say contributed to his declining health.
Oyakhilome’s claims fly in the face of scientific consensus. Extensive research has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, with rare side effects like blood clots linked to specific vaccines occurring in a tiny fraction of cases and manageable with medical intervention. No evidence supports his assertion that vaccines caused the Pope’s death.
This is not Oyakhilome’s first foray into misinformation. Since 2020, he has claimed Nigeria’s COVID-19 lockdown was a ploy to install 5G technology, asserting that 5G—not the virus—killed people in Wuhan, China. He also dismissed face masks as a political stunt rather than a scientific measure, warning they were “dangerous to health.” These statements have drawn widespread criticism for undermining public health efforts.
He has claimed Nigeria’s COVID-19 lockdown was a ploy to install 5G technology
The pastor’s latest remarks have reignited calls for accountability among religious leaders spreading unverified claims.
As his video circulates online, reactions range from fervent support among his followers to outrage from those decrying the exploitation of the Pope’s death to push an anti-vaccine agenda. With no proof offered, Oyakhilome’s bold accusation stands as yet another chapter in his history of provocative, unsubstantiated rhetoric.
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