Guwahati, March 3, 2026: A WhatsApp message is circulating in prayer groups claiming that Pope Leo XIV ordered priests to immediately open all churches, organise Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration, and spread a specific “anti-Satan” prayer. It also urges people to forward the message widely.

This message is not authentic.

What the message claims
The viral forward says the Pope:

• Ordered priests to keep churches open immediately.
  
• Asked people to go to the nearest church and pray before the Blessed Sacrament.
  
• Warned that wars in the Middle East, “now in Ukraine and Crimea,” will spread.
  
• Instructed everyone to pray the Our Father and Hail Mary three times.
  
• Promoted a prayer to “destroy Satan” and “nullify plots controlling the world.”
  
• Asked recipients to share the message.
  

These words do not appear in any official Vatican text.

What the Pope actually said
On 1 March 2026, during the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern about tensions in the Middle East and Iran. He asked for prayer. He called for diplomacy and dialogue.

He did not:

• Order churches to open immediately.
  
• Mention Ukraine or Crimea in that appeal.
  
• Prescribe a prayer formula.
  
• Ask people to forward a message.
  

The official Angelus text is available on the Vatican website. It does not contain the viral wording.

How official papal messages are issued
When the Pope makes an appeal, it is published through the Holy See Press Office, Vatican.va, and Vatican News. The text includes a date and full transcript. The viral message has none of these marks of authenticity.

This type of chain message follows a known pattern. It mixes real events with dramatic language. It adds emotional urgency. It ends with “share this message.” These are common signs of viral religious hoaxes.

The Church warns about misinformation
Pope Leo XIV has spoken clearly about fake news and manipulation in digital media. He has urged Catholics to communicate truthfully and responsibly. The Vatican has repeatedly reminded the faithful to verify papal texts through official sources.

Spreading unverified messages, even with religious language, does not help the Church.

Prayer for peace is always good. Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration are always encouraged. The Pope did ask for continued prayer and dialogue regarding Middle East tensions.

But the viral WhatsApp message is not an official papal directive.

Before forwarding any message attributed to the Pope:

• Check vatican.va.
  
• Check www.vaticannews.va.
  
• Verify the source.
  

Do not forward chain-style messages without confirmation.