Nigerian televangelist Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has stirred controversy by claiming that Pope Francis died as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine. In a recent broadcast, Oyakhilome asserted that the Pope's health deteriorated after receiving the vaccine, leading to his death. He criticized the Pope for promoting vaccination and suggested that his illness and subsequent passing were due to the vaccine's effects.

This statement aligns with Oyakhilome's history of expressing skepticism towards vaccines. He has previously disseminated conspiracy theories linking vaccines to population control agendas and has been penalized for broadcasting misinformation. In 2021, the UK's Ofcom fined his Loveworld Television Network £125,000 for airing false claims about COVID-19. ​

Public health experts and fact-checking organizations have consistently debunked such claims, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Misinformation of this nature poses significant risks to public health efforts, particularly in regions with vaccine hesitancy. ​