Rumor – Pope Leo XIV allegedly said he was angry with God and that He “whispers in pain.”
Analysis
In recent days, an emotional message has been circulating on social media. The content is attributed to Pope Leo XIV, recently elected as the new pontiff of the Vatican, and has been shared by followers and admirers. The quote speaks about pain, faith, God’s silence, and criticism of institutionalized religion, ending with a plea to embrace those who feel lost or distant from faith.
The most striking part is right at the beginning: “I was also angry with God.” That phrase, along with others like “God doesn’t shout. God whispers” and “This Church, while I breathe, will be a home for the homeless,” has caused great emotional response and viral circulation. Below is the full text of the rumor:
*Quote attributed to Pope Leo XIV.* “Brothers and sisters… I speak to you, especially those who no longer believe, no longer hope, no longer pray because you think God has abandoned you. To those tired of scandals, misused power, of a silent Church that sometimes seems more like a palace than a home. I was also angry with God. I also saw good people die, children suffer, grandparents cry without medicine. And yes… there were days I prayed and only heard an echo. But then I discovered something: God does not shout. God whispers. And sometimes He whispers from the mud, the pain, from a grandmother feeding you with nothing to give. I didn’t come to offer a perfect faith.
I came to say that faith is a walk filled with stones, puddles, and unexpected hugs. I’m not asking you to believe everything. I’m asking you not to close the door. Give a chance to the God who waits without judgment. I’m just a priest who saw God in the smile of a woman who lost her son… and still cooked for others. That changed me. So, if you are broken, if you don’t believe, if you’re tired of lies… come anyway. With your anger, your doubts, your dirty backpack. No one here will ask you for a VIP card. Because this Church, while I breathe, will be a home for the homeless and rest for the weary. God doesn’t need soldiers. He needs brothers. And you, yes you… are one of them.” Robert Prevost (Leo XIV)
Fact-check
The content gained traction online after the election of Pope Leo XIV, papal name adopted by American cardinal Robert Prevost. Due to the emotional tone and reach, we decided to verify three main points: 1) Did Pope Leo XIV say he was angry with God and that He whispers in pain? 2) Who is the real author of the text? 3) Are there other fake quotes falsely attributed to Pope Leo XIV?
Did Pope Leo XIV say he was angry with God and that He whispers in pain?
No, the quote is not from Pope Leo XIV. There is no official record of Robert Prevost making any such statement since becoming pontiff. The message does not appear in any official Vatican News speeches, homilies, or interviews. The writing style also differs from Vatican communications.
Who is the actual author of the text?
The message is anonymous and has previously appeared online with different attributions. It is a reflective motivational text, without a known source. With Leo XIV’s election, the text resurfaced with a new false attribution. Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) is not the author.
Are there other fake quotes attributed to Pope Leo XIV?
Yes. Since taking office, Pope Leo XIV has been frequently targeted by false claims. Fake statements on controversial topics have been shared, including false quotes about Nikolas Ferreira, Michelle Bolsonaro, and Lula. A recent hoax even claimed he criticized reborn babies. All were debunked.
Conclusion
The text attributing quotes such as “I was also angry with God” and “God whispers” to Pope Leo XIV is false. It is an anonymous message previously circulated without a clear author, now resurfacing falsely signed by the new pope. There is no official Vatican record or statement by Robert Prevost supporting the attribution.
Fake news ❌
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