Numerous fake papal speeches circulate on the net

Numerous fake papal speeches circulate on the net

Italian religious news blog, Il Sismografo, has published an article on this after it received an e-mail enquiry regarding the authenticity of a text allegedly pronounced by the Pope

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It’s easy to find phrases, reflections and prayers about peace, love and the family, which, although apparently authored by Pope Francis, are in fact false. Il Sismografo, an Italian blog with real time updates on the activities of the Holy See, received a large volume of e-mails yesterday, asking whether a text attributed to Pope Francis was genuine. The text in question, was said to be a large chunk from a speech he apparently gave during the recent 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the family. It is widely known, Il Sismografo informs, that since Francis was elected Pope, a number of phrases, prayers, speeches and statements attributed to him have been published on the web but all it takes is a quick read to realise they are fake. In the above-mentioned case too, the Pope’s alleged reflections on family, friendship, life, human relations and so on, are unfounded and are not part of his magisterium. Naturally, there is no trace of these statements either in the six addresses he gave during the course of the recent Synod, or in any other official texts. 

Il Sismografo published all of the Pope’s speeches, along with the false speech attributed to Francis, which has been circulating on the internet with the title “Never give up on happiness because life is one amazing show”. Some of the reflections attributed to the Pope include: “You may have flaws, feel anxious and sometimes irritated, but never forget that your life is the greatest business on earth. Only you can prevent it from going downhill. So many people appreciate you, admire you and love you. I would like you to remember that being happy is not about having a sky without a storm, a road without any car accidents, a strain-free job, relationships without disappointments. Being happy is about finding strength in forgiveness, hope through struggle, safety on the stage of fear, love in discord. Being happy is not just about appreciating a smile, it is also about reflecting on sadness. It is not just about celebrating success but learning from one’s failures. It is not just about feeling cheerful when we receive applause but also when we go unnoticed.” 

www.lastampa.it