Another video on Facebook (FB) is falsely claiming that Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was elected the new pope. The Conclave chose Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who will be Pope Leo XIV, as the new head of the Catholic Church.
On May 7 when the papal conclave began, a video was published by an FB user with the following headline:
“The Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Tagle has been elected as the new Pope…POPE LUIS I. Watching the conclave was an emotionally charged experience. I am delighted with the chosen outcome. Amen.”
The 15-second video showed an image of Tagle, his hands in a praying position, while an angelic choir was heard singing in the background.
The claim is not true. On the second day of the papal conclave, white smoke came out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of the new Bishop of Rome. Prevost is the first American bishop to be elected pope and is of the Agustinian religious order.
The new pope made his first appearance before the Vatican City and all awaiting Catholics at St. Peter’s Square as the 267th Bishop of Rome from the central balcony of the St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Peace be with all of you,” were the first words he uttered as the new successor of Peter. Offering his regards to the late Pope Francis, the new pontiff pledged to “build bridges” and foster community.
VERA Files Fact Check debunked a similar false claim last month, after reports showed Tagle a strong contender for the role. (Read FACT CHECK: Tagle NOT elected pope)
The FB user’s video has garnered over 315 reactions, 190 comments and 109,000 views.
