Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, has stirred controversy after alleging that the late Pope Francis died as a result of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a viral sermon, the Nigerian televangelist repeated his long-standing opposition to global vaccination efforts, claiming the Pope’s health declined after taking the jab. Oyakhilome also referenced a 2020 statement by Pope Francis, in which the pontiff reportedly said, “If Jesus were here, he would have taken the vaccine”—a comment the pastor described as “very insulting.”
He further criticised the Pope for aligning with “globalists” advocating for mass vaccination and accused authorities of covering up the circumstances surrounding the Pope’s death.
“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. But he’s not been well for a long time. And I’m stating that he was killed by the vaccine.
“The vaccine killed him. They said he had a stroke. Where did the stroke come from? Blood clots; one of the most common causes of death from the vaccine,” he claimed.
The pastor also dismissed all vaccines as “a deception,” insisting they “have never worked” and alleging a deliberate “plan for death” by global elites.
“I also told you no vaccine is good. Not one of them. And they have never worked. It’s always been a deception,” he added.
Backlash and fact-checking
Medical experts and public health officials have repeatedly debunked claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to fatal blood clots.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, who was 88, died of natural causes, including a stroke and heart failure, conditions common in elderly individuals.
This is not the first time Oyakhilome has faced criticism for spreading vaccine misinformation.
During the pandemic, he falsely linked COVID-19 to 5G technology, claimed mRNA vaccines alter DNA (a myth refuted by scientists), and was fined £125,000 ($155,000) by UK regulator Ofcom for broadcasting “misleading and harmful” COVID-19 content.
