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Hoax – Pope Francis allegedly left a farewell letter published after his death.
Analysis
Shortly after the death of Pope Francis, a supposed farewell letter allegedly written by him and published by the Holy See went viral on social media. The text, emotional and reflective in tone, would be a final message to the faithful, encouraging them to keep their faith, do good deeds, and care for humanity.
The text is presented as the “Pope’s last letter” and allegedly was officially released after his death. It has gone viral across various social networks (in several languages). Here is the full text being shared:
LAST LETTER FROM THE POPE The letter that Pope Francis asked the Holy See to publish after his death: “Dear brothers and sisters, If you are reading this letter, it means that I am already gone. And before longing brings tears to your eyes, let me tell you: do not weep for me. I did not live to be remembered for speeches or photos. All I desired, with my human frailty, was that we look to Jesus again.”
That everyone would go out into the streets with the Gospel on their feet, with mercy in their hands, and love in their hearts.
If my words ever touched you, do not keep them. Turn them into action. Embrace those who are alone. Forgive those who have hurt you. Start over as many times as needed. Do not wait for the world to change. Be the ones to change it.
To the young: do not let your joy or your capacity for wonder be stolen. The world needs your passion, your art, your pursuit of justice. To the grandparents: thank you. You uphold history with silence and wisdom. Keep telling your stories. Always live with love. To priests, bishops, and the whole Church: do not become officials of the sacred.
Be shepherds. Get your hands dirty to serve, and always keep your hearts burning and ready to help. To you who may be reading with sadness or questions, I say: God has not left. He is with you. Even if you feel He is distant, He walks beside you. I go in peace. Not because there is no pain, but because I trust. I trust in you. I trust in compassion. I trust in your joy. In your faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed. Pray. Care for the Earth. Defend human dignity. And when you gather to eat, leave an empty chair. Let it be for the poor. Let it be for Jesus. May the Lord prepare me to die well, to die in peace. With a father’s love, Francis.”
Fact-check
Fake news about popes (both Francis and Leo XIV) have circulated online for a long time. This is yet another example. To fact-check, we will answer the following questions: 1) Did Pope Francis leave a last letter before his death? 2) What is the origin of the farewell letter circulating online? 3) Have other false messages been attributed to Pope Francis?
Did Pope Francis leave a last letter before his death?
No. The letter that went viral was neither written nor officially published by Pope Francis or the Holy See. The actual documents published shortly before and after the Pope’s death were his spiritual testament and formal statements, widely covered by reputable media outlets, such as this BBC report. There is no record of any letter with the emotional phrases circulating online.
What is the origin of the farewell letter circulating online?
It is yet another internet text created and spread virally. The content style—an emotional text with appealing phrases and universal advice—is typical of apocryphal messages designed to go viral using the name of respected figures, such as Pope Francis.
Have other false messages been attributed to Pope Francis?
Yes. Over the years, several false messages have been attributed to the Pope. The same narrative pattern was used in other fake messages attributed to Pope Francis, such as the so-called “Prayer of Happiness,” and in supposed farewell homilies.
Additionally, there was the claim that he called a Brazilian priest before dying (see here), wrote a text about how life passes quickly (read here), or recommended five miraculous plants (check here).
The modus operandi is always the same: using the Pope’s image to lend credibility to emotionally charged texts designed to generate engagement or clicks.
Conclusion
The message circulating as Pope Francis’s last letter is false. The official documents published after his death were his spiritual testament and statements recorded on reliable channels. The viral text follows a pattern seen in numerous other fake news stories misusing the Pope’s name.
Fake news 
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