Unfounded rumors and false reports circulating about Cardinal Robert Prevost's election to be the new pope

The election of Pope Leo XIV has been met with a flurry of speculation and misinformation on social media. Here, we aim to separate fact from fiction and provide clarity on various allegations that have been circulating.

Firstly, it must be emphasised that there is no evidence to support the claim that Pope Leo XIV made a statement about transgender people, attributing words to him that he did not actually say.

Regarding the Catholic group Sodalicio de Vida Cristiana, it is true that the Vatican dissolved the organisation due to allegations of physical abuse. An investigation carried out by Pedro Salinas and Paola Ugaz tells the story of the group in Peru and refutes those who point to Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost Martínez, is an American citizen with Peruvian nationality. He was appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops prior to his election. However, claims that he was a founding member of an anarchist organisation called CHAZ in 2020 in Portland (USA) are false, and The New York Times has not published such content about the new pope.

The case of alleged sexual abuse against minors in Peru was elevated to the Vatican during the time when Robert Prevost was bishop of Chiclayo. Contrary to some allegations, there is no evidence to support the claim that Pope Leo XIV covered up two complaints against priests accused of sexual abuse in Peru.

A video circulating on social media shows Pope Leo XIV praying the Our Father in Latin, but it is false that Pope Francis did not pray in Latin. Additionally, a message claiming that Pope Leo XIV intentionally ignored a member of the LGBTQ community is false. The flag shown in the video is not that of the LGTBIQ+ community; it is the peace flag.

Finally, it must be noted that Pope Leo XIV was not the founder of any personal organisation before becoming pope. He was a member of the Augustinian Order, which was not founded by one individual but was created by several popes.

The new pope, Pope Leo XIV, was elected on May 7 and 8 in the Sistine Chapel of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Misinformation and false claims continue to circulate on social media, but it is crucial to verify the accuracy of such information before sharing it.