Pope Leo XIV debunks viral Nicki Minaj social media rumor

No, Pope Leo XIV never followed Nicki Minaj on X

In May 2025, the Catholic Church made history by electing its first American-born pope — Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV. Born in 1955 in Chicago, Prevost began his spiritual journey as a missionary in Peru. He later became the Bishop of Chiclayo and was appointed cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2024. 

Pope Robert Francis Prevost has followed Nicki Minaj on X/Twitter. pic.twitter.com/Bbcwu6I1YE

— Drop Pop (@DropPopNet) May 8, 2025

Viral Claims Involving Nicki Minaj Go Viral After Papal Election

Soon after his election, bizarre social media rumors began circulating. One of the most viral claims was that the new pope had followed rapper Nicki Minaj on X (formerly Twitter), with fake screenshots spreading rapidly.

Nicki Minaj converts to Islam after Robert Francis Prevost is elected as the 267th Pope. pic.twitter.com/tO3hOonrkq

— Drop Pop (@DropPopNet) May 8, 2025

However, a fact check confirmed the rumor was false. Pope Leo XIV's official account does not follow Nicki Minaj, and the screenshot was traced back to a parody pop culture account.

Another satirical rumor suggested that Nicki Minaj converted to Islam after the papal election — again, completely untrue. There is no credible report or statement supporting such a claim.

What’s Real and What’s Not?

Major media outlets have focused on Pope Leo XIV’s historic role, not on celebrity connections. While Nicki Minaj was jokingly mentioned during red carpet interviews at the 2025 Met Gala, there is no official link between her and the pope.