Category International community

Manipulation: “Portrait of Petliura Hangs Instead of Icon” in UOCC Church | StopFake

Representatives of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Andrew in Toronto have denied claims that a portrait of Symon Petliura hangs in the sanctuary or that the Ukrainian historical figure is being honoured as a "saint". The portrait of Petliura is in a parish hall, not on the altar, and is therefore not an icon. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (UOCC) is an independent church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and is not a parish of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

Read MoreManipulation: “Portrait of Petliura Hangs Instead of Icon” in UOCC Church | StopFake

German news outlet did not report Russian spies had US defence secretary’s phone number – Full Fact

What was claimed: According to Der Spiegel, German intelligence have just arrested two suspected Russia spies who had US defence secretary Pete Hegseth's private phone number in their mobiles.

Our verdict: A spokesperson for Der Spiegel confirmed it did not publish such a story.

Read MoreGerman news outlet did not report Russian spies had US defence secretary’s phone number – Full Fact

Fake: Cardinal Faskifo Promised to Seize All of Putin’s Assets in Vatican Bank if Elected Pope | StopFake

No such cardinal exists, and his photo was generated by artificial intelligence. In addition, the Vatican Bank does not hold accounts for governments, foreign individuals or clients unrelated to the Catholic Church or the Holy See.

Read MoreFake: Cardinal Faskifo Promised to Seize All of Putin’s Assets in Vatican Bank if Elected Pope | StopFake