Fake Videos in the Name of Pope Leo XIV; YouTube Bans Channel

Vatican City, 24 May, 2025 – YouTube has banned a channel that used artificial intelligence to produce videos filled with fake propaganda and speculation in the name of Pope Leo XIV. The platform removed the AI-generated content, which falsely appeared official and included fabricated statements never made by the Pope.

Although Pope Leo XIV was elected only two weeks ago, the volume of fake videos using AI in his name has been steadily rising. Among the most prominent offenders was the channel titled Pope Leo XIV's Sermons, which spread widespread misinformation. YouTube has now banned the channel.

YouTube spokesperson Jack Malone told the Catholic media outlet Aleteia yesterday that the ban was enforced due to violations of the platform’s policies on spam and deceptive practices. As of Wednesday, 21 May, the channel had garnered nearly one million views. All of the videos were AI-generated and entirely fictitious, prompting YouTube’s action.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has condemned a 36-minute fake video that falsely claimed Pope Leo XIV addressed the President of Burkina Faso. The video was released via an account named Pan African Dreams and was created by morphing footage from a 12 May meeting between the Pope and journalists, using AI technology.

In response to such content, which involves AI, morphing tools, and other technical manipulations to spread fake videos, images, and half-truths, the Vatican Media has appealed to the public to rely on official sources. They recommend using the Vatican’s official website (vatican.va) and its authorised media platforms—available in multiple languages—for accurate information on Pope Leo XIV’s speeches, meetings, and official communications.

The Vatican’s warning comes amid growing concern over the misuse of emerging technologies to misrepresent public figures and distort reality, particularly during moments of significant public attention.