The Vatican strongly refutes the conspiracy theories claiming that Pope Francis has passed away, even as these rumors persist and circulate on social media platforms.

As the 88-year-old pope continues his stay in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a serious lung infection which has progressed into pneumonia, these allegations have emerged.

The Daily Mail reports that skeptical Italian social media users are flooding various platforms with claims suggesting that the Catholic Church’s deep state is hiding information about the Pope's supposed demise.

Even with regular updates from the Vatican regarding his condition, certain conspiracy theorists still claim that authorities are concealing the facts and employing artificial intelligence to mimic his voice.

Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital since February 14, with the Vatican stating that he is recovering steadily; however, skepticism still lingers.

On last Sunday, an image circulated showing the Pope co-celebrating Mass within the confines of his personal hospital chapel. The Vatican aimed to use this picture to counteract any false information circulating among the public.

Nevertheless, conspiracy theorists persist in doubting the legitimacy of the photographs, suggesting that these images might be either old or created using artificial intelligence.

Italian media figure Fabrizio Corona escalated tensions further when he stated during an event near a shopping center:

He has truly passed away. The audio recording is not genuine. It was produced using artificial intelligence.

His remark has since spread like wildfire, intensifying the doubts about the Pope's well-being.

As a result, Roman Catholic cardinals are encouraging people to disregard the false information. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi expressed his irritation, saying:

People claim that we, members of the Roman Curia, keep Francis restrained so we can pursue our intrigues.

He also emphasised the Vatican's transparency, noting that this is the first time the Church has been so open about the Pope's condition.

"As it stands, this environment is poisonous," Ravasi acknowledged, admitting that despite the Church’s attempts to offer precise information, the rumors persist.

According to reports in The New York Times, officials within the Vatican are likewise engaged in private conversations about the effects of these unfounded theories.

The pope, who seemed noticeably winded while recently expressing his thanks to supporters, is continuing with his recovery.

Amid ongoing speculation, the Vatican continues to firmly maintain its stance on the Pope's recovery and works diligently to counteract the spread of false information that has darkened this difficult time.