In today’s digital age, the internet is overflowing with all kinds of entertainment, from viral TikTok videos and charming cat clips to endless memes. However, as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly challenging to tell what is real from what’s been digitally modified.
Discussion Around Resurfaced Video After Pope Francis’s Passing
Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, an intriguing video featuring him and Donald Trump has begun circulating anew, igniting intense conversations about its authenticity.
The video in question seems to depict Pope Francis pushing away Trump’s hand as Trump tries to reach out. Adding to the seeming credibility, it features a CNN logo, making it look like an official broadcast.
But here’s the twist: The Dispatch Fact Check has revealed that the video is not genuine. A representative from CNN verified that this footage was, in fact, fabricated. Journalist Daniel Baldwin shared footage from March 2017, showing the actual meeting between Trump and the Pope, which had no such dramatic hand encounter.
The much-discussed clip actually originates from a humorous skit that aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live, lampooning the real 2017 assembly between Trump and the Pope. The part where Pope Francis appears to brush Trump’s hand was added for comedic effect in the show’s satirical segment.
Social Media Users React with Curiosity and Amusement
Despite the video’s comedic roots, it has left many people on social media puzzled, leading to a burst of discussions and guesses.
There were numerous questions about the clip’s authenticity, with some users even hoping it was real due to its entertaining nature. One user wrote, “Wait… are you telling me this really happened? It’s not edited? It’s real?” While another pleaded, “Please let this be real.”
Some users turned to the AI assistant Grok, available on X (formerly Twitter), to verify its legitimacy. Grok cleared up the confusion, confirming the video was not real, but rather a 2017 comedy bit from Jimmy Kimmel Live. The original Vatican footage lacked any such amusing hand rejection.
Adding to the conversation, a user explained, “The meeting happened for real, but the hand interaction was added later for a joke during Jimmy Kimmel’s segment. It’s funny, but not authentic.” A respondent wittingly chimed in, “Thanks! You explained it better than AI did.”
Amusement for Some, Disillusionment for Others
While many found joy in watching the clip for its humor, others were let down upon hearing the truth behind it.
One person shared a lighter note, “It makes me laugh every single time — looks like something you’d see between siblings.”
Amidst all the chatter about the viral video, it’s key to remember that Vice President JD Vance had a meeting with Pope Francis shortly before his passing. The details of their conversation have been released, providing a glimpse into the moments leading up to the world mourning Pope Francis.
As the process to appoint a new pope begins, all attention will return to the Vatican, waiting patiently for the age-old signal of black or white smoke to learn if a new leader has been chosen for the Catholic Church.
