HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera on Tuesday urged Filipinos to pray for Pope Francis as she condemned false reports of his death as “cruel and irresponsible.”

“It is appalling that some exploit faith and fear to spread lies. Pope Francis is a symbol of hope. Instead of engaging in fake news, let’s focus on praying for his health,” Herrera said.

The seasoned party-list lawmaker was reacting to a viral social media post falsely claiming that the Pope had died in a hospital in Rome. The claim caused alarm among Catholics before the Vatican dismissed it as false.

Herrera called the misinformation reckless, saying it misleads the faithful and disrespects the Pope’s mission.

“This is more than just irresponsible—it sows panic and confusion. If we truly care for the Pope, we should respond with prayers, not hysteria,” Herrera said.

She urged churches and communities to dedicate special prayers and masses for Pope Francis.

“Faith should guide us in times of uncertainty. Let’s pray for his strength and healing,” she stressed.

Herrera also warned against the dangers of misinformation, emphasizing that “fake news has real consequences.”

“We must uphold truth and reject deception, especially when it concerns a leader as beloved as Pope Francis,” she said.

She called on social media platforms to take stronger action against disinformation and urged the public to be more discerning.

“Our role as citizens of faith and truth is clear: we must reject lies and choose prayers, hope, and unity,” Herrera said.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco