Viral claims on social media allege that the Vatican barred African citizens from paying respects to Pope Francis, shown in a video of a man arguing in St Peter's Basilica. However, the Basilica was open to all, and many Africans paid their respects. The video was posted before the lying in state began, and credible sources confirm no one was denied access based on race. Pope Francis faced misinformation throughout his life, including AI-generated deepfakes.