Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ Embassy, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his recent claims regarding the death of Pope Francis. In a video that quickly went viral, the Nigerian televangelist alleged that the Pope died as a result of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This assertion has drawn significant backlash from both the public and health experts.
During a sermon, Oyakhilome expressed his long-standing opposition to vaccinations, emphasizing his belief that they are harmful. He referenced a statement made by Pope Francis in 2020, where the Pope encouraged vaccination, saying, “If Jesus were here, he would have taken the vaccine.” Pastor Chris described this remark as “very insulting” and criticized the Pope for aligning with what he called “globalists” who promote vaccination campaigns.
According to Pastor Chris, since taking the vaccine, the Pope had been unwell and he insinuated that the vaccine was responsible for his death. He stated, “The vaccine killed him,” suggesting that complications like strokes and blood clots were linked to the vaccine. These claims have raised eyebrows and prompted swift responses from medical professionals.
Health experts have repeatedly debunked the notion that COVID-19 vaccines cause fatal blood clots. In fact, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis passed away from natural causes, including a stroke and heart failure—conditions that are common among elderly individuals. At 88 years old, the Pope’s health had been a concern for some time.
This is not the first instance of Pastor Chris facing criticism over his views on vaccines. During the pandemic, he made several controversial statements, including unfounded claims linking COVID-19 to 5G technology. His previous misinformation led to a fine of £125,000 ($155,000) from the UK regulator Ofcom for broadcasting misleading content.
The outrage surrounding Pastor Chris’ latest comments highlights the ongoing battle between misinformation and public health. As many continue to advocate for vaccination, claims like those made by the pastor contribute to the confusion and fear surrounding vaccines.
