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Mabilog falls for fake news on Pope Francis

Philippines | Luzon

Mabilog falls for fake news on Pope Francis

By Tara Yap

ILOILO CITY — Former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of this city fell victim to fake news on the alleged death of Pope Francis.

“Prayer for the passing of Pope Francis,” Mabilog wrote on Monday, Feb. 24.

While the Facebook post has since been deleted, Mabilog was criticized for the insensitivity and spreading misinformation.

Mabilog would later post an apology with an explanation.

“I’m sorry for the confusion. Earlier, I posted a prayer for the healing of Pope Francis, but then I saw a post from an FB friend, a lay woman and retired teacher about his passing. Wanting to honor him, I shared a different prayer,” said Mabilog.

“After watching the Vatican News and doing a quick search, I learned that the Holy Father is alive…in critical, but stable condition,” explained Mabilog.

“I appreciate those who kindly called my attention to the mistake and I sincerely apologize for the misinformation,” Mabilog added.

Mabilog is a devout Catholic who said it was his faith that sustained him during the dark days when former President Rodrigo Duterte repeatedly threatened to have him killed for being an alleged drug protector.

The Vatican on Monday announced the start of nighttime prayers for the health of Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Square, and invited Romans and others to join in, as the 88-year-old pontiff battled a complex lung infection and complications.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/25/vatican-announces-daily-evening-prayers-for-the-health-of-pope-francis-on-st-peter-s-square

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Fake news Mayor Jed Mabilog Iloilo City Pope Francis

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