In the wake of Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025, an unusual internet theory has resurfaced, linking the pontiff’s passing to YouTuber and influencer Trisha Paytas’s current pregnancy. This bizarre connection, suggesting that Paytas’s unborn child is the reincarnation of Pope Francis, has once again captured the attention of social media users.​

The Origins of the Meme​

The peculiar theory began in September 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died just days before Paytas gave birth to her first child. The timing led to a flurry of online jokes and memes suggesting that the Queen had been reincarnated as Paytas’s daughter. Since then, a pattern has emerged: whenever Paytas announces a pregnancy, and a prominent figure dies, the internet humorously speculates about reincarnation.​

The Pope Francis Connection​

With Paytas announcing her third pregnancy in March 2025, and Pope Francis passing away in April, the meme has found new life. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts like, “You’re laughing. Pope Francis is about to be reincarnated as Trisha Paytas’ baby and you’re laughing,” and “Trisha Paytas being pregnant every time a figure of importance dies is actually insane omg.” These posts highlight the internet’s fascination with coincidental timing and its penchant for creating viral narratives.​

Paytas’s Response​

Addressing the resurgence of the meme on her podcast, “Just Trish,” Paytas expressed confusion and amusement. “I just don’t get it,” she said. “First of all, I’m months away from my due date, not even close this time. He’s not the British monarch. Is it just any influential person that dies gets to come reincarnate as my baby?” Her guest, fellow YouTuber Shane Dawson, explained that the memes tend to appear whenever a historic person of power dies while she’s pregnant.​

As the conversation progressed, Paytas warmed to the idea, especially upon learning about Pope Francis’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. She even joked about naming the baby “Pope” or “Francis,” adding that she’d keep fans updated if she starts to “feel a little holier” during her pregnancy.​

The Internet’s Role in Modern Myth-Making​

This recurring meme underscores the internet’s ability to craft modern myths and narratives, often blending humor with coincidence. While there’s no factual basis for the reincarnation claims, the meme’s persistence highlights society’s fascination with celebrity culture and the human tendency to find patterns in unrelated events.​

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