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Video: Outrage As Pastor Chris Links Pope Francis’ Death To COVID-19 Vaccine
By Benjamin Abioye

Nigerian pastor Chris Oyakhilome has sparked outrage after alleging that the late Pope Francis died from complications linked to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Prominent Nigerian preacher, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has stirred a storm of controversy following comments he made regarding the death of Pope Francis.
Speaking during a broadcast of Your ‘LoveWorld Specials’, Oyakhilome suggested that the late pontiff died as a result of complications related to the COVID-19 vaccine, a claim that has drawn sharp rebukes and ridicule across social media.
In his statement, Pastor Chris said:
“In 2020, they won’t say this anywhere, but I can say it. The Pope, and I pointed it out during the Your LoveWorld Specials, the late Pope, made a statement which I brought out and I said that that was not good. 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 to be very insulting and I talked about it.
At that time, he was still with the globalists. He believed them and encouraged the world to take the vaccine. And he too took the vaccine. Okay. But it’s not been well for a long time. And I’m stating that he was killed by the vaccine. Yesterday or the day before, they said he had a stroke. Where did the stroke come from? Blood clots. And that’s one of the most common causes of death from the vaccine. It’s not the only one. Many of them who became ill, they will not tell you the truth. That’s what I’m telling you. No one’s going to.”
Oyakhilome’s remarks come in the wake of Pope Francis’ recent passing at the age of 88. The Pope, who had long battled significant health issues—including having only one lung following surgery in his youth—was widely respected for his progressive leadership and calls for unity, including his encouragement for the global community to embrace vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pastor’s comments triggered an avalanche of reactions online, with many Nigerians and international observers expressing disbelief, anger, and, in some cases, amusement at his claims.
Some criticized Oyakhilome for his history of controversial statements. User @mind_talkss reminded others that “he’s the same person that said the cause of Covid was 5G.” Similarly, @Ndubuheadx added, “This man legit said that 5G was the cause of COVID…… Since then…smh,” suggesting a pattern of spreading misinformation.
Others highlighted the age and health history of Pope Francis, disputing any link to the vaccine. @IamZotikos remarked: “If only people use dem brains… COVID of 2020 max, this is 2025. Then again, he was 88 yrs.. 88 fvcking yrs old! Isn’t that a very ripe old age?”
@francischris952 also noted, “The Pope died at 88 years old and he had been living with one lung for over 30 years since he had an infection that required surgery.”
A number of users expressed frustration that such unfounded statements were being made publicly. @DavidEzennia asserted: “This unfounded statement did not come from Pope Francis nor Pope Benedict. Pastor Chris should not make these false allegations against the Pope.”
While many simply mocked the pastor, some questioned the broader implications for the credibility of Nigerian religious leaders. @Ogwa_30 pointedly asked, “This man don preach about the suffering in Nigeria lately??? Confused element.”
Others, like @PonchusPilate, delivered a scathing critique: “His messages are not for right-thinking Nigerians; his messages are for brainwashed, backwards-thinking zombie-like subhumans who have nothing to show except what their pastors say.”
Meanwhile, some longtime admirers of Pastor Chris expressed disappointment. @typumpz said: “Ahhh Pastor Chris, I like and respect you o but this is not acceptable. It is a disrespect to the body of Christ.”
A few individuals tried to find humor in the situation. @IAmOdeyThomas quipped: “He say ‘they’ll not tell you but I will tell you’ 😂😂😂😂😂.”
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has long been a controversial figure when it comes to global health narratives. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he promoted conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to the virus outbreak and expressed skepticism about vaccination campaigns, drawing warnings from regulatory authorities in several countries.
His latest remarks have once again raised questions about the influence of religious leaders on public opinion, especially in countries with fragile public health infrastructures.
As the debate rages on, many continue to urge for caution and responsibility, emphasizing the need for verified information, especially when discussing matters of life, death, and public health. While Pastor Chris’s supporters may continue to defend his right to express his views, the widespread backlash reflects a growing frustration with the spread of misinformation from influential figures.
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