Fact Check: We got an American pope before we got GTA 6

The Claim: "We got an American pope before we got GTA 6"

Introduction

The statement "We got an American pope before we got GTA 6" suggests a timeline comparison between the election of an American pope and the release of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). This claim implies that the papacy has seen an American figure before the gaming community has seen the next installment of the Grand Theft Auto series. To evaluate this claim, we need to establish the timeline of both events.

What We Know

1. Election of an American Pope: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis, was elected on March 13, 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope.

2. Release of Grand Theft Auto VI: Rockstar Games officially announced the release date for GTA 6 as May 26, 2026. This announcement was made in December 2023, following a long period of speculation and anticipation since the last mainline game, Grand Theft Auto V, was released in 2013 123510.

3. Time Gap: Between the election of Pope Francis in March 2013 and the scheduled release of GTA 6 in May 2026, there is a gap of over 13 years.

Analysis

The claim hinges on two significant events: the election of Pope Francis and the release of GTA 6.

Timeline Verification

• Pope Francis: His election is well-documented and widely reported. The Vatican and numerous reputable news sources confirm that he became pope in March 2013 1.

• GTA 6 Release Date: The announcement of the release date for GTA 6 was made in December 2023, with a confirmed release set for May 2026. This information is corroborated by multiple credible outlets, including The New York Times and CBS News 210.

Source Reliability

• News Outlets: The New York Times and CBS News are established news organizations with a reputation for journalistic integrity. Their reporting on the release date of GTA 6 is likely to be accurate due to their editorial standards.

• Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for information, it is important to cross-reference its content with primary sources, as it can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current information 1.

• Gaming News Sites: Sources like Sportskeeda and Dexerto provide gaming news and updates but may have a bias towards sensationalism or hype surrounding game releases. Their reliability can vary based on the authors and the editorial guidelines of the site 48.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no apparent conflicts of interest in the reporting of the release date for GTA 6, as the information comes from multiple independent sources. However, the gaming industry often has vested interests in promoting upcoming releases, which can lead to exaggerated claims about anticipation and excitement.

Additional Context

The claim also touches on a humorous observation made by fans regarding the release of GTA games coinciding with papal elections. While this adds an interesting layer to the discussion, it does not affect the factual timeline of the events in question.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "We got an American pope before we got GTA 6" is accurate based on the established timelines of both events. Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, while the release of GTA 6 is scheduled for May 26, 2026, resulting in a gap of over 13 years. This timeline is supported by reliable sources, including major news outlets and official announcements from Rockstar Games.

However, it is important to note that while the claim is factually correct, it is framed in a humorous context that may not reflect the seriousness of either event. Additionally, the anticipation surrounding GTA 6 has been fueled by years of speculation, which can lead to varying perceptions of its significance compared to the papacy.

Readers should also be aware that while the evidence supporting this claim is strong, the nature of future events can always introduce uncertainty. Therefore, it is advisable to critically evaluate information and consider the context in which claims are made.

Sources

1. Grand Theft Auto VI. Wikipedia. Link
2. Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed Until May 2026 - The New York Times. Link
3. GTA 6: Ten major moments in history since GTA 5 released. Indy100. Link
4. Full list of GTA series games in release order - Sportskeeda. Link
5. GTA Games And The Papacy - The Unexpected Connection Between ... Kickstart Game. Link
6. Grand Theft Auto 6 release date punted to May 2026. CBS News. Link