Death of Pope Francis: Obsession of Conspiracy Theorists Explained
The demise of Pope Francis, a man known for his progressive stances and controversial reforms, marked the start of another wave of conspiracy theories on his twelve-year reign. Nicknamed the "Renegade Pope," "Gravedigger of the Church," and more, Francis was a divisive figure, with his open-minded views on topics like migration, interfaith dialogue, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals butting heads with traditionalists.
In December 31, 2023, a defiant priest in an Italian parish challenged Francis' authority, labeling him as a "Freemason Jesuit linked to world powers, an usurping anti-pope." His statements earned him an excommunication, one of many such sanctions directed at those who questioned Francis' authority. Another high-profile figure, Carlo Maria Vigano, the former apostolic nuncio to the United States, was also excommunicated for criticizing Francis in 2018, accusing him, without evidence, of covering up sexual abuses by former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
Conspiracy theories about Francis took a new turn in early 2021 when QAnon, a pro-Trump, anti-vaccine movement, started spreading rumors about the pope's arrest for pedocriminality. Vigano, a fervent adherent of QAnon, addressed an open letter to the American president, accusing Francis of being a supporter of the "Deep Church" - a religious version of the "Deep State" - and a champion of the "New World Order," a planetary government benefiting a hidden elite.
These extraordinary accusations were fueled by Francis' unprecedented election as pope in 2013, as the first non-European pope since 741 and the first Jesuit to hold the position. The lack of a direct successor following Benedict XVI's resignation and the Church's tangled financial dealings added to the confusion, making Francis a prime target for conspiracy theorists.
Previously, rumors had flourished around the sudden death of Pope John Paul I in 1978, with many questioning the Vatican's account of his heart attack. demanded an autopsy, but the lack of one fostered suspicions of an assassination orchestrated by freemasonry, who allegedly sought to investigate financial irregularities in the Vatican bank. However, an Italian journalist debunked this theory, confirming that John Paul I indeed died due to coronary disease.
Conspiracy theories about the Catholic Church have persisted throughout history, often intertwining with religious conservatism and anti-clericalism. Alternative interpretations of Church practices and doctrines, the Church's powerful aura, and its ancient, wealthy, and influential nature make it a favorite target for conspiracy theorists. These theories reflect broader cultural and political tensions, affecting both the Church's internal dynamic and its public image.
Some theories are propagated by a Catholic ecosystem close to the far right, with the French website Media-Presse.Info, an offshoot of the traditionalist and conspiracy-minded movement Civitas, often invoking the term "Freemason" in its articles. Pope Francis has been accused of promoting Masonic ideals through his efforts to develop interreligious dialogue.
In conclusion, conspiracy theories about the Catholic Church, including those related to Pope Francis, are an ever-persistent phenomenon, with historical, religious, and cultural factors playing significant roles. They reflect broader societal tensions between progressive and conservative views, as well as long-standing anti-clerical sentiments.
- Despite the demise of Pope Francis, theorists continue to resurface theories about his connections to world powers, alleging him to be a Freemason Jesuit and an usurping anti-pope.
- In the realm of pop-culture and general-news, conspiracy theories about the Catholic Church often intertwine with conservatism, antivax movements, and crime-and-justice, as seen in the case of Pope Francis.
- Entertainment figures and celebrities have also been linked to these conspiracy theories, with defiant priests and former apostolic nuncios like Carlo Maria Vigano voicing their opinions, thereby influencing the public discourse.
- Conspiracy theories about the Catholic Church, such as the one regarding the arrest of Pope Francis, have been fueled by factors including the Church's financial dealings, the election of a non-European pope, and the lack of a direct successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
- Theories about the Church, even reaching back to the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, have persisted throughout history, reflecting broader social and political tensions, and impacting both the Church's internal dynamics as well as its public image.
