Friday, February 28, 2025

Pope Francis hasn't resigned or named a successor

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Checking the Facts

Fri Feb 28 2025

Pope Francis hasn't resigned or named a successor

Pope Francis arrives for the weekly general audience at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

The Vatican has not announced Pope Francis is resigning, contrary to online claims. Further, his successor would be elected by Cardinals, not Francis.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks during a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

No, Zelenskyy hasn't blocked Truth Social in Ukraine | Fact check

A spokesperson for Truth Social's parent company said the claim is false. The social media platform has never been available in Ukraine.

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 21: Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) reacts after challenging U.S. President Donald Trump over federal law on the issue of trans women in sports as Trump addressed a meeting of governors at the White House on February 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is hosting a bipartisan group of Governors for a working session at the White House as part The National Governors Association winter meetings. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Maine governor didn't say state wouldn't pay taxes | Fact check

Mills did not say this. A spokesperson for Mills said the claim is false.

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USA TODAY Fact Check: Standards and methodology

Our Fact Check Team is a signatory of the IFCN and is committed to accuracy, transparency and fairness.

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