Pope Leo XIV Never Said “To Be Called Woke in a World That Sleeps Through Suffering”
In an era of rampant misinformation, a fabricated quote attributed to “Pope Leo XIV” has gone viral. The statement—”To be called woke in a world that sleeps through suffering is no insult”—has been widely shared, but it’s entirely false. Here’s what you need to know.
The Origins of the Fake Pope Leo XIV Quote
The misquote first surfaced in early 2023 on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, often shared by activists and critics of the Catholic Church. Its appeal lies in its seemingly progressive message, suggesting a papal endorsement of modern social justice movements.
However, Pope Leo XIV never existed. The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII (1878–1903). Historians and Vatican officials confirm there’s no record of this quote in Church documents or papal speeches.
Experts speculate the false attribution merges two ideas:
– The modern concept of “wokeness” (awareness of social injustices)
– The Catholic Church’s long-standing teachings on social justice
While Pope Francis has spoken extensively about poverty and inequality, he has never used the term “woke.”
Why This Misinformation Is Harmful
Fake quotes like this aren’t just innocent mistakes—they distort public perception and manipulate narratives for ideological purposes.
Key Risks of Misattributed Quotes:
- Undermines trust in religious institutions
- Creates false alliances between faith and politics
- Spreads confusion about the Church’s actual stance
The Catholic Church has a nuanced position on social justice, blending advocacy for the poor with traditional doctrines on issues like gender and sexuality. Misquotes erase this complexity.
The Catholic Church’s Real Teachings on Social Justice
While “Pope Leo XIV” is fictional, the Vatican’s commitment to social justice is real. Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned indifference to suffering, calling it a “globalization of indifference” (Evangelii Gaudium, 2013).
How the Church Differs from “Woke” Activism:
- The Vatican emphasizes charity, solidarity, and systemic reform—but avoids politically charged terms.
- “Wokeness” originates from Black American activism and carries cultural connotations not aligned with Vatican doctrine.
How to Spot Fake Quotes Online
Misinformation thrives when people share without verifying. Here’s how to check viral claims:
3 Steps to Fact-Check Quotes:
- Verify the speaker – A quick search shows “Pope Leo XIV” doesn’t exist.
- Find original sources – Authentic quotes come from speeches, encyclicals, or interviews.
- Use fact-checking tools – Consult Snopes, Vatican archives, or trusted news outlets.
The Bigger Problem: Weaponizing Religion in Digital Discourse
This fake quote reflects a broader trend: using faith to fuel online polarization. Whether it’s fabricated papal statements or twisted scripture, misinformation exploits religion to deepen divides.
How to Respond:
- Pause before sharing – Ask, “Is this accurate?”
- Prioritize primary sources – Rely on official Church documents.
- Promote critical thinking – Combat misinformation with facts.
In a world flooded with fake content, staying informed means questioning everything—even quotes from popes who never existed.
— NextMinuteNews Team
